Rotating Handle Locking Mechanism for Transport Container

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transport and storage containers with foldable side walls face difficulties in handling due to complex manual actuation of locking mechanisms, which is cumbersome and prone to damage, especially when unlocking the latches.

Innovation Solution

The handle element is rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis, serving as both a handle for lifting and an actuating element to adjust the locking device, allowing easy rotation from the locking to unlocking position without additional external actuating elements, thereby simplifying and ergonomically improving handling and enhancing durability by eliminating exposed levers or knobs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional external actuating elements (levers, wings, rotary knobs) are used to adjust the locking device, then the locking function can be achieved, but the handling becomes complicated and the actuating elements are exposed to increased risk of damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of actuating elementsVSAvoidhandling of locking device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle element is merged with the actuating element for the locking device. The handle element that is already present for lifting and carrying the container is integrated with the locking mechanism, so that the same component serves dual purposes: providing mechanical advantage for lifting and actuating the locking/unlocking function through rotational movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle element is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the lifting handle for carrying the container, and simultaneously as the actuating element for the locking device. By rotating the handle element about its longitudinal axis, the locking device is adjusted between locked and unlocked positions, eliminating the need for separate actuating components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the actuating element is positioned outside the handle opening (such as levers or wings), then the locking mechanism can be actuated, but the actuation becomes cumbersome and the elements are more prone to damage during rough handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of actuationVSAvoidrisk of damage to actuating elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The handle element is merged with the actuating element for the locking device. The handle element that is already present for lifting and carrying the container is integrated with the locking mechanism, so that the same component serves dual purposes: providing mechanical advantage for lifting and actuating the locking/unlocking function through rotational movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle element, which would otherwise be a separate component potentially exposed to damage, is integrated into the locking mechanism. The rotational movement required for locking/unlocking is achieved by rotating the handle element itself about its longitudinal axis, converting a potential vulnerability into a robust integrated solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If separate actuating elements are used for locking and handling, then the locking function is distinct, but the overall device complexity increases and handling becomes less ergonomic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality of locking deviceVSAvoidnumber of actuating elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle element is merged with the actuating element for the locking device. The handle element that is already present for lifting and carrying the container is integrated with the locking mechanism, so that the same component serves dual purposes: providing mechanical advantage for lifting and actuating the locking/unlocking function through rotational movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle element is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the lifting handle for carrying the container, and simultaneously as the actuating element for the locking device. By rotating the handle element about its longitudinal axis, the locking device is adjusted between locked and unlocked positions, eliminating the need for separate actuating components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2499056B1Transport and storage container having a latch mechanism

Publication Date: 2014.05.07 BEKUPLAST MBH

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a transport and storage container (1) having four side walls (10), of which at least one is designed to be completely pivotable or to have at least one pivotable wall part, and having at least one adjustable locking device (4), wherein the at least one pivotable side wall (10) is disengaged from the other side walls (10) or the at least one pivotable wall part is disengaged from the remaining side wall (10) when the locking device (3) is in the unlocking position, wherein at least the side wall (10) having the locking device (4) comprises a handle opening (14) having a manually graspable handle element (41) that limits said opening at the top. According to the invention, the handle element (41) is rotatably mounted in the associated side wall (10) about the longitudinal axis (45) thereof running parallel to the top edge of the side wall (10), and thereby forms the actuating element (40) for adjusting the locking device (4), wherein the locking device (4) can be adjusted at least from the locked position thereof to the unlocked position thereof by rotating the handle element (41).