Single-Arm Pivot Latch for Storage Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage equipment lacks simple and reliable mechanisms for coupling and uncoupling additional objects, often requiring careful positioning and risking accidental disengagement.

Innovation Solution

A single-arm pivot latch with stop means limits pivoting to 90°, allowing for easy and secure coupling and uncoupling of additional objects, featuring a snap mechanism for secure standby positioning and a hook-shaped coupling structure for vertical and depth engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a multi-arm cabinet lock is used for coupling, then the coupling structure is robust, but the operation requires careful positioning and is complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling reliabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling latch is segmented into a single arm rather than multiple arms, simplifying the structure while maintaining coupling reliability through the snap mechanism and stop means

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The snap mechanism provides automatic positioning and locking of the latch arm in the engaged position, eliminating the need for careful manual positioning and making operation simpler

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a rotatable cabinet lock with three-arm structure is used, then the coupling is secure, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling securityVSAvoidlatch structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The three-arm cabinet lock structure is segmented into a single-arm pivot latch, reducing device complexity while maintaining coupling security through the snap mechanism and stop means

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The unnecessary arms are extracted from the cabinet lock structure, leaving only the essential single arm needed for coupling, thereby simplifying the device while preserving security function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the latch arm is positioned perpendicular to vertical axis in standby, then it does not impede placing additional objects, but coupling engagement requires movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject placement convenienceVSAvoidlatch positioning mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch arm is made dynamic through the pivot mechanism, allowing it to rotate between perpendicular standby position and upright engaged position, enabling both convenient object placement and secure coupling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10293477B2Storage equipment

Publication Date: 2019.05.21 TTS TOOLTECHNIC SYST

AI summary

Storage equipment including at least one storage container with a vertical axis, on which a coupling bar, which can rotate about a rotational axis that is at a right angle to the vertical axis, is mounted on the outside, in the upper region of the front side of same. The coupling bar is designed as a pivot bar with only one arm, which is provided with an individual bar arm, projecting away from the rotational axis on one side, on which a coupling structure is arranged. The pivot angle of the pivot bar is limited to 90° by a stop, and the pivot bar can be pivoted exclusively between an inactive standby position with the bar arm oriented at a right angle to the vertical axis, and an active coupling position projecting upwards in the axial direction of the vertical axis.