Spring-Action Latch for Sleeve Pack Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing returnable bulk container designs, such as sleeve packs, face challenges with weak passive interference fits that are difficult to assemble and may damage the sleeve, and active latching mechanisms that require bending or kneeling to engage and disengage.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve pack assembly featuring a polygonal shaped sleeve and frame with a latch system that includes a segmented body with C-shaped members and a tongue, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without the need to bend or reach, utilizing a spring-action latch that engages securely with the sleeve and frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a passive interference fit is used to retain the sleeve to the pallet and top cap, then the assembly is simple, but the engagement is weak and may damage the sleeve
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is divided into multiple functional segments: a body portion that engages the sleeve aperture, a tongue portion that engages the frame channel, and a spring portion that provides actuating force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-action latch is designed to automatically engage and disengage without requiring manual manipulation. The spring portion stores and releases energy to actuate the latch, enabling self-operating engagement that eliminates the need for operators to bend or kneel to reach under the pallet.
2Reliability
If an active latching mechanism is used to provide strong engagement, then the locking strength is improved, but the operator must bend over or kneel to engage and disengage the lock
Solution Approach 1:
The latch operates in a vertical dimension by engaging through the aperture in the sleeve wall, allowing the operator to access and manipulate the latch from the top side rather than reaching under the pallet from below. This dimensional change in engagement approach eliminates the need for bending or kneeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch acts as an intermediary mechanism between the sleeve and frame, providing a reliable connection without requiring direct manual manipulation under the pallet. The spring-action mechanism mediates the engagement process, making it accessible from the top side.
3Ease of operation
If a spring-action latch is used to enable easy assembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: the body portion engages the sleeve aperture, the tongue portion engages the frame channel, and the spring portion provides actuating force. This merging of functions into one component achieves easy operation without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides engagement with the sleeve, engagement with the frame, and self-actuation through spring action. This universality allows a single component to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a strong and secure locking mechanism that is easy to assemble and disassemble, eliminating the need for bending or kneeling, while ensuring the sleeve is securely attached to the frame, enhancing user safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-action latch that engages securely with the sleeve and frame
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a latch for a sleeve pack assembly.