Snap-in Closure for Thin-walled Transport Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for closing thin-walled transport containers for valuables, such as thermal sealing, gluing, and mechanical closure, are either energy-intensive, require complex automation, or restrict variable filling volumes, making them inefficient and costly for secure transport.

Innovation Solution

A device with complementary first and second latching elements that create a snap-in connection through uniaxial movement, allowing for secure, automated closure of thin-walled transport containers, preventing unauthorized access and enabling variable filling volumes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If thermal sealing is used to close the thin-walled transport container, then the container is securely closed, but high energy consumption and thermal load occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure securityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces thermal sealing (thermal system) with a mechanical latching system consisting of latching elements that engage with each other through uniaxial movement. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for heat generation while achieving secure closure through physical interlocking of latching elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If thermal sealing is used to close the thin-walled transport container, then the container is securely closed, but thermal load damages the machine and notes of value

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure securityVSAvoidthermal load

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If gluing is used to close the thin-walled transport container, then variable filling volume is enabled, but complex device and high cost occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable filling volumeVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system is divided into multiple latching elements distributed along the closure elements. These segmented latching elements can engage at different positions, enabling variable filling volumes while using a simple mechanical structure without complex adhesive application equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If mechanical closing with zip fastener is used, then closure is achieved, but two work steps and complex automation are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure securityVSAvoidautomation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the closing and latching functions into a single uniaxial movement action. The latching elements are integrated into the closure elements, so that moving the closure elements simultaneously performs both the closing motion and engages the latching mechanism in one automated step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2374114B1Device and method for closing at least one thin-walled transporting container which has at least one opening and is intended for items of value

Publication Date: 2018.06.13 WINCOR NIXDORF INT GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10, 30, 40, 50, 60) for closing at least one thin-walled transporting container (12) which has at least one opening and is intended for items of value. The device (10, 30, 40, 50) has at least a first closure element (14) and a second closure element (16) spaced apart from the first closure element (14). The first closure element (14) comprises at least one first latching element (18a to 18c) and the second closure element (16) comprises at least one second latching element (20a to 20c), which complements the first latching element (18a to 18c). The first closure element (14) and the second closure element (16) are arranged such that at least part of the opening of the transporting container (12), this opening being open in order for the items of value to be supplied, can be arranged between the first closure element (14) and the second closure element (16), and a latching connection can be created between the first latching element (18a to 18c) and the second latching element (20a to 20c) by movement of at least one closure element (14, 16) with a part of the transporting container (12) which is arranged between the closure elements (14, 16). The invention also relates to a method for closing at least one thin-walled transporting container (12).