Stacking Column Latch Locking Mechanism for Secure Goods Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stacking columns face issues with the secure fixation of pawls in their working position, particularly when designed for transport, as stored goods can shift and get damaged due to inadequate support, leading to the need for additional securing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The stacking column design features individually lockable pawls with a linkage system that mobilizes the latch from a rest to a working position, utilizing a locking link and coil spring mechanism to ensure secure locking and easy unlocking, allowing only necessary latches to be activated during partial loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional securing mechanisms are added to prevent goods from shifting, then the reliability of goods fixation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stacking column is divided into multiple independent latch units, each capable of securing goods individually. Each latch unit includes a latch lever, linkage, and spring mechanism that operates independently, allowing selective engagement of only the necessary latches for the current load, thereby improving reliability without requiring a complex unified securing system
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanisms are pre-loaded and positioned to automatically engage the latch levers into the locked position when goods are placed on the stacking column. This preliminary preparation of the securing mechanism eliminates the need for additional active securing operations, reducing complexity while maintaining reliable fixation
2Adaptability or versatility
If all latches are pushed into the working position for full loading capacity, then the adaptability for different load sizes is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to unnecessary activation of unused latches
Solution Approach 1:
The latch units are designed to be dynamically selectable, where only the necessary number of latches are activated based on the current loading requirements. The linkage system allows individual latches to be engaged or disengaged independently, providing dynamic adaptability to partial loads while maintaining ease of operation by avoiding unnecessary activation of unused latches
Solution Approach 2:
Different latch units can be in different states (engaged or disengaged) simultaneously, with each latch unit having its own local characteristics based on loading needs. This allows the stacking column to adapt to partial loads by activating only the necessary local latch units, improving ease of operation while maintaining full adaptability for different load sizes
3Ease of operation
If the stacking column is designed for transportability, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of goods fixation deteriorates due to potential shifting during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanisms are pre-loaded to automatically engage the latch levers into the locked position before transport begins. This preliminary securing action ensures that goods are firmly fixed and cannot shift during movement, while the stacking column remains easy to transport as the securing is automatic and does not require additional operations during loading or unloading
Solution Approach 2:
The latch units are designed to automatically secure goods during transport through the spring-loaded mechanisms that engage the latches into the locked position. The system serves itself by automatically maintaining goods fixation during movement without requiring external intervention, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation for transport
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
This design provides improved fixation and secure locking of each pawl, preventing goods from shifting during transport and allowing for easier handling by only activating required latches, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A coil spring is arranged between the spring retainer and an anchor point
Implementation Method 2
the rod bolt slides along an incline of a locking link from the standby position to the working position, thereby moving the locking link from an initial position into a locking position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a stacking column for storing goods one above the other or side by side at mutual intervals on a latch (5.1-5.6) which is rotatably mounted on an axle bolt between two side plates (1.1, 1.2), wherein the two side plates (1.1, 1.2) together with a common back plate (2) form a U-body (3), wherein the U-body (3) comprises a base plate (4), wherein the latch has a rod bolt (9), wherein the rod bolt (9) is movable within a curved elongated hole (8) of the side plate (1.1, 1.2) and thus mobilizes the latch (5.1-5.6), wherein the rod bolt (9) passes through one of the side plates (1.1, 1.2).2) is extended through, wherein the linkage bolt (9) moves from the ready position to the working position along a ramp (11) of a locking cam (14) and thereby brings the locking cam (14) from a starting position to a locking position, wherein the locking cam (14) is arranged between the side wall (1.1, 1.2) and a slide (19), wherein the locking cam (14) has a pivot axis (13) and a spring retainer (12), wherein a coil spring (20) is arranged between the spring retainer (12) and an anchor point (10), wherein the spring retainer (12) is arranged through a recess (15) of the slide (19) away from the locking cam (14) through the recess (15) of the slide (19), and the coil spring (20) is located between the anchor point (10) and the spring retainer. (12) is ordered.