Storage Box Locking Tab Stops for Secure, Rattle-Free Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage boxes suffer from locking tabs that can be forcefully detached, leading to rattling and a lack of a secure closure mechanism, which compromises the quality and functionality of the box.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism with stop means arranged on the same side of the pivot axis limits the opening angle of the locking tab, preventing forced detachment and ensuring a secure closure by using hook-like stop elements and chamfered edges to maintain the locking tab in the open or closed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking tab is designed to be pivotable for easy operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the locking mechanism becomes vulnerable to forced detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tab is divided into functionally distinct segments: a pivotable actuation portion for easy operation, and a locked portion that engages with the base. The stop means further segments the movement range, creating defined open and closed positions while preventing excessive movement that could lead to detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop means are pre-positioned to define the limits of the locking tab's movement range before any forced detachment can occur. By establishing these mechanical boundaries in advance, the system prevents the locking tab from being forcefully opened while maintaining normal pivotable operation for intended use.
2Ease of operation
If the locking tab can be forcefully opened, then ease of operation is improved, but material damage and loss of function occur
Solution Approach 1:
The stop means provide preliminary anti-action by physically blocking the locking tab before it can be forcefully detached. This preventive mechanism counteracts any excessive force applied to the locking tab, protecting the pivot axis locking elements and the tab itself from damage while allowing normal operation to continue.
3Reliability
If stop means are added to limit opening angle, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop means are merged with the existing locking tab structure, using the tab's own material to form the stop elements. The first stop element is integrated into the locking tab body, and the second stop element is integrated into the base, eliminating the need for separate stop components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If the locking mechanism is secured against forced opening, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism exhibits local quality by having different operational characteristics in different regions: the actuation area allows easy pivoting for normal operation, while the engagement area with the base provides strong resistance to forced opening. The stop means create local boundaries that guide the locking tab through its intended movement range without restricting the ease of legitimate operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a storage box with a base and a lid for closing the base and with at least one locking tab pivotable relative to the base and/or the lid for locking the base and lid in the closed state, wherein the locking tab is pivotally connected to the base or the lid about a pivot axis, wherein the locking tab has at least one first pivot axis locking element which is engaged with a second pivot axis locking element on the base or the lid, wherein a locking mechanism is provided with a first locking element on the locking tab and a second locking element on the base or the lid, wherein stop means are provided for limiting the opening angle of the locking tab relative to the base or the lid, comprising a first stop element on the locking tab and a second stop element on the base or the lid.wherein, in the closed state of the lower part and lid and with the locking mechanism engaged, viewed in a direction parallel to the pivot axis, the stop means and the locking mechanism are arranged on the same side of the pivot axis.