Sliding Document Container With Self-Latching Wind Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manifest storage containers, particularly vehicle-mounted ones, lack durability, fail to automatically close and lock, and are prone to opening in high winds, requiring manual operation that can damage contents and pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A vertically mountable and horizontally orientable document container with a base, cover, and latch system that includes a catch and lever, featuring grooved channels and press-fit relationships to ensure secure closure and environmental protection, allowing single-hand operation and self-closing functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing containers use manual latching mechanisms, then users can operate them, but they require removing gloves which creates safety issues and may damage contents
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed to automatically close and latch itself without requiring manual intervention. The self-latching mechanism engages automatically when the cover is closed, eliminating the need for users to manually operate latching devices while wearing gloves or hand coverings, thus maintaining safety while ensuring proper closure.
2Ease of operation
If existing containers are manually closed and latched, then they can be secured, but improper latching may occur causing damage to container and contents
Solution Approach 1:
The self-latching mechanism automatically engages when the cover is closed, ensuring consistent and proper latching every time without relying on user skill or attention. This eliminates improper latching and potential damage to the container and its contents.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical latching operation is replaced with an automatic mechanical system that uses the closing motion itself to trigger the latching action, removing the variability and error potential of manual operation.
3Ease of operation
If hinged design containers are used, then they can open for access, but they are prone to open when subjected to highway winds
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into a base portion and a cover portion that can be separately accessed. The cover can be opened for access to contents while the base remains secured to the mounting surface, providing both accessibility and wind resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-latching mechanism ensures the cover remains securely closed during high-wind conditions without requiring additional wind-resistant features, while still allowing easy opening when needed.
4Ease of operation
If existing containers lack automatic closing, then manual operation is possible, but they fail to protect documents from environmental elements
Solution Approach 1:
The container automatically closes after use without requiring manual intervention, ensuring documents are consistently protected from rain, snow, wind, and other environmental elements. The self-closing action ensures the protective enclosure is restored every time the container is accessed.
Data Source
AI summary
A vertically mountable and horizontally orientable document container for mounting on a surface. The container includes a base, a cover, and a latch. The base has a base wall and four perimeter walls extending away from the base wall. The cover has a cover wall and three perimeter walls extending away from the cover wall. The cover slidingly engages with the base and matingly fits over the base to form a document storage chamber. Each of the cover three perimeter walls forms a primary-grooved channel, and the base is in fitted-sliding engagement with the cover. The latch is formed by the base and the cover as a catch and a lever. The lever snap-fits together with the catch to secure the cover in a temporarily locked position when the cover is located covering the base and providing an environmentally-secure zone in the document storage chamber.