Stacking Latch Mechanism for Hands-Free Container Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stacking latch mechanisms require manual operation to engage and secure containers, which can be inconvenient, especially when carrying multiple containers to a jobsite.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism that automatically secures two bodies together by applying moderate downward pressure, utilizing a rotatable latch with primary and secondary hooks and a bias to engage the hooks without manual movement, allowing the weight of the upper body to secure the lower body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual connector with a swinging portion is used to latch two bodies, then the latch can securely connect the bodies, but the operator must actively move the swinging portion into engagement which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism automatically engages itself when the second body is placed on the first body. The downward force from placing the body causes the latch to rotate and the hook to engage with the protruding portion without any manual operation required by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch is pre-configured in an unengaged position where the hook is accessible. When the second body is placed on the first body, the downward force automatically triggers the rotation and engagement action, performing the latching function before the operator needs to do anything.
2Extent of automation
If a rotatable latch with bias is used to enable automatic engagement, then hands-free securing is achieved, but the device complexity increases compared to simple manual connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is designed as a rotatable component that can dynamically move between an unengaged position (where the hook is accessible) and an engaged position (where the hook secures the protruding portion). This dynamic movement enables automatic engagement while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bias element changes the positional state of the latch from unengaged to engaged by applying a rotational force. When downward force is applied to the second body, the latch rotates and the hook engages with the protruding portion, automatically securing the bodies without manual intervention.
3Shape
If the primary hook is obscured by the housing in the engaged position, then the latch appearance is improved and security is enhanced, but the hook must be precisely positioned during manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is designed with asymmetric positioning where the hook extends from one side of the housing. When the latch rotates to the engaged position, the hook becomes obscured by the housing structure, creating a clean appearance. The asymmetric design allows the hook to be precisely positioned during manufacturing while maintaining the aesthetic benefit of being hidden when engaged.
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
Enables secure stacking of containers without manual operation, ensuring that the upper body can be easily placed on top of the lower body, providing a hands-free solution for securing containers.
Implementation Method 1
The latch mechanism also includes a bias configured to bias the latch toward its first position
Implementation Method 2
the weight of the upper body would supply enough downward force to engage the latch mechanism and secure the two bodies together
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a latch mechanism configured to secure two bodies together by simply placing one body on top of the other and applying moderate downward pressure to the top body. The latch mechanism includes a housing and a latch partially disposed within the housing. The latch includes a main body, and a primary hook and an opposing secondary hook both extending from the main body. The latch is configured to be rotatable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the primary hook is not obscured by the housing. In the second position, the primary hook is substantially obscured by the housing. The latch mechanism also includes a bias configured to bias the latch toward its first position.