Container Lock With Rotating Locking Element for Secure Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container locks for stacking containers on ships are ergonomically challenging, prone to jamming, and pose safety risks due to manual handling and potential dropping during lifting, which can lead to injuries and compromised security.
Innovation Solution
A container lock with a simple, open structure and ergonomic design featuring a locking mechanism with a flexible element that minimizes jamming risks and ensures secure attachment to the container corner, using a locking element that rotates between locked and unlocked positions, facilitated by a grip element and stoppers for easy operation even with protective gloves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional container lock with complex locking mechanism is used, then the locking reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to manual handling difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: a locking element for engagement, an operating part for actuation, and a flexible element for maintaining position. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while improving overall operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to rotate between locked and unlocked positions around a horizontal axis, providing dynamic operation. The flexible element allows the locking mechanism to adapt to slight misalignments while maintaining secure engagement.
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple rotating parts is used, then the locking reliability is improved, but the risk of jamming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism uses a single primary locking element rather than multiple interlocking rotating parts. This segmentation reduces the number of potential jamming points while maintaining reliable locking through the rotation of one well-defined element.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible element is incorporated to accommodate slight variations in container corner dimensions and alignment. This flexibility prevents binding and jamming that would occur in rigid multi-component mechanisms while ensuring reliable engagement.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual handling of container locks is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the safety risks increase due to potential dropping during lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-latching once engaged. The flexible element automatically maintains the locking element in the locked position without requiring continuous manual intervention, reducing the risk of accidental dropping during lifting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism incorporates stoppers and a flexible element that preemptively prevent the locking element from disengaging during container handling. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the harmful effect of potential dropping before it can occur.
4Ease of operation
If an ergonomic design with grip elements is added, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operating part is merged with the locking element into a single integrated component. The grip features are incorporated directly into the operating part structure, eliminating the need for separate handles or actuating mechanisms while maintaining ease of operation with protective gloves.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enhances safety and efficiency by preventing accidental dropping, reducing manual effort, and maintaining secure container stacking, while being manufacturable with conventional methods without increased costs.
Implementation Method 1
an operating part connected to the locking element, configured to rotate the locking element around a horizontal axis of the locking element located between the front part and the rear part between a locked position and an unlocked position
Implementation Method 2
A container lock with a simple, open structure and ergonomic design featuring a locking mechanism with a flexible element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3d
Figure 4a~5b
AI summary
A container lock (1) comprising a one-piece lock body comprising: a front part (25), a rear part (26), a back part (7) comprising a recess (11) and back surfaces (22); and a locking mechanism (2) comprising: a locking element (3); and an operating part (5) configured to rotate the locking element (3) around a horizontal axis (X) or around a vertical axis (Y) between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein for the locked position, the locking element (3) is configured to protrude horizontally out at least partly from the recess (11) and the back surfaces (22); and for the unlocked position, the operating part (5) is configured to be actuated to rotate the locking element (3) from the locked position to the unlocked position. Also a method is disclosed.