Securing Ring Latch Recess for Stable Container Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bulky releasable fastening or latch mechanisms in securing rings for containers interfere with stable stacking, leading to instability and risk of crushing during transport and storage, especially in plastics rings which are prone to failure under weight and inertial loads.
Innovation Solution
A securing ring with a radially inner portion of reduced axial external thickness due to a circumferentially extending recess in the releasable fastening or latch mechanism, allowing for stable stacking by minimizing protrusion and distributing weight evenly, while maintaining the necessary strength through suitable component thickness and profile design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a bulky releasable fastening or latch mechanism is used in a plastics securing ring, then the ring has sufficient strength to survive rough handling, but the mechanism protrudes and interferes with stable stacking of containers
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed with a recessed configuration where the latch lever and associated components are set back into the ring structure rather than protruding outward. This dimensional reorganization allows the mechanism to maintain its full cross-sectional thickness for strength while occupying radial space that does not interfere with container stacking, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural strength and stacking stability.
2Strength
If a heavier (thicker) cross-section is used for plastics securing rings, then the rings are strong enough to survive rough handling, but the ring becomes bulkier and interferes with container stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The ring structure employs varying wall thicknesses optimized for specific functions: thicker sections are positioned where structural strength is critical (such as at the latch mechanism mounting points and load-bearing areas), while thinner sections are used in regions where strength requirements are lower. This localized differentiation maintains overall ring strength while minimizing total material volume and reducing interference with container stacking.
3Ease of operation
If a protruding latch mechanism is used, then the fastening function is achieved, but the mechanism is susceptible to crushing and failure under weight and inertial loads during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is pre-positioned within a recessed area of the ring that acts as a protective cushion zone. This recessed configuration provides structural support and load distribution pathways that prevent direct transmission of crushing forces from stacked containers onto the latch components. The design anticipates and mitigates potential crushing failures by building protective structural features into the ring-latch assembly before the containers are stacked and subjected to transport loads.
Data Source
AI summary
An openable securing ring for holding a lid or similar closure on a container has a latch mechanism arranged to secure ends of the ring releasably together at a circumferential break. A circumferentially extending recess is provided at a radially inner portion of the latch mechanism so that the radially inner portion is of reduced axial external thickness and provides relief for stable stacking of a first container on top of a second container when the securing ring is attached to the second container. A radially inner edge of a locking lever side wall may lie radially outward of the inner diameter of one ring end to define at least part of the reduced thickness radially inner portion.