Stacking Column Latch Modules for Individual Repair and Spacing Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stacking columns require laborious disassembly and reassembly for replacing a single damaged latch, and their design limits scalability and ease of adaptation to different latch spacings.
Innovation Solution
A stacking column with pivotable latches and decoupled lever elements, allowing individual latches to be replaced without disassembling the entire system, and enabling adjustable latch spacings through modular design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If closed linkages or mechanical connections are used to connect all latches, then the latches can change position reliably during loading and unloading, but the entire latch chain must be removed and disassembled for replacing a single damaged latch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the latch chain into independent, replaceable segments. Each latch is designed as a separate module that can be individually removed and replaced without affecting other latches in the chain, enabling easy maintenance while maintaining system reliability through modular design
2Reliability
If spring elements are used to hold latches in rest and operating positions, then the latches can be held securely, but assembly effort increases and spring elements are subject to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces spring-based mechanical systems with a cam-based positioning system. The cam mechanism provides deterministic positioning of latches in rest and operating positions without relying on elastic elements, thereby reducing assembly complexity and eliminating wear associated with spring components
3Device complexity
If latches are designed as sheet metal blanks with bent control arms, then the structure is simple, but the distances between consecutive latches cannot be easily varied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable and reconfigurable latch positions along the carrier, allowing the distances between consecutive latches to be varied according to storage requirements. This dynamic adaptability is achieved through a modular design that maintains structural simplicity while enabling flexible configuration
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
Facilitates quick and easy replacement of damaged latches, supports scalability, and adapts to varying storage conditions without extensive reconfiguration.
Implementation Method 1
the latches are arranged between a first side wall and a second side wall of the latch carrier so as to be pivotable about a first axis of rotation such that the latches can each assume a rest position, a standby position, and a working position
Implementation Method 2
lever elements, each having a first lever section and a second lever section, are arranged between the first side cheek and the second side cheek so as to be pivotable about a second axis of rotation between two successive pawls
Implementation Method 3
a pawl of the stacking column, which is moved from the standby position into the working position, acts on the first lever section of a subsequent lever element in such a way that the subsequent lever element executes a pivoting movement about the second axis of rotation
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a stacking column (1) comprising a latch carrier (2) and a plurality of latches (3) arranged successively at defined intervals, which are pivotably arranged between a first side cheek (4) and a second side cheek (5) of the latch carrier (2) about a first axis of rotation (7) such that the latches (3) can each assume a rest position, a ready position and a working position.Between each pair of successive latches (3), lever elements (9) are arranged between the first side wall (4) and the second side wall (5), each having a first lever section and a second lever section, the lever elements (9) being arranged to pivot about a second axis of rotation such that a latch (3) being moved from the ready position to the working position acts on the first lever section of a subsequent lever element such that the subsequent lever element (9) performs a pivoting movement about the second axis of rotation (13) and the subsequent lever element (9) thereby acts with the second lever section (11) on a subsequent latch (3), moving the subsequent latch (3) from the rest position to the ready position.Furthermore, the invention relates to a buffer system with several stacking columns (1) and a method for adapting such a buffer system, in particular to changed storage conditions.