Stacked Container Locking Structure With Movable Stopper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container-securing devices lack a structure capable of locking the container fixed state, and the application of stopper structures is not straightforward, especially in devices without movable protrusions.
Innovation Solution
A container-securing device with a flange portion, first and second support portions, fitting portions, a movable stopper, and an operation portion that allows the stopper to move between facing and retracted positions, locking the device in place by restricting lateral movement and preventing rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a container-securing device with a bifurcated convex structure is used to fix stacked containers, then the containers can be secured together, but there is no structure capable of locking the container fixed state
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is nested within the fitting portion, allowing it to move between a retracted position (where it fits inside) and a protruding position (where it locks against the slot's inner surface). This nested design provides locking capability without adding external complexity to the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper is designed as a movable component within the fitting portion, transitioning between retracted and protruding positions. This dynamic element enables the locking and unlocking functions, transforming a static structure into one with active securing capability.
2Reliability
If the stopper structure from Patent Literature 2 is applied to the device in Patent Literature 1, then locking capability is achieved, but the application is not straightforward
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper structure is designed to work with the existing bifurcated convex structure of Patent Literature 1, making the locking mechanism universally applicable to container-securing devices with similar slot and corner fitting configurations. The stopper integrates multiple functions: it locks the container fixed state, prevents lateral movement, and works with both movable and fixed protrusion configurations.
3Reliability
If the stopper protrudes to lock the container fixed state, then lateral movement is restricted, but the stopper must move between positions requiring inserting portions and accommodation grooves
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper inserting portion and stopper accommodation groove are integrated into the existing device structure. The inserting portion is formed in the fitting portion, and the accommodation groove is formed in the support portion, merging the locking mechanism components with the existing structural elements rather than adding separate independent components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A container-securing device capable of locking a container fixed state is provided. A container-securing device 1 includes, for example, a movable protrusion 43. In an unlocked state in the container-securing device 1, while a pull-out operation during unloading can be performed, when a lock operation is performed on the container-securing device 1, the pull-out operation during unloading cannot be performed. In a state in which the container-securing device 1 is engaged with both upper and lower corner fittings 101a and 100a of containers 101 and 100 stacked in two tiers, when the lock operation is performed on the container-securing device 1, it becomes possible to simultaneously lift the lower container 101 by lifting the upper container 100. The switching between the locked state and the unlocked state is performed by a stopper 5. An operation to the stopper 5 is performed by an operation portion 6.