Storage Case Closure With Deformable Locking Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure devices for storage containers, such as cases, are prone to opening when subjected to a direct impact, such as being dropped, due to force transfer that moves them from the closed to the open position.
Innovation Solution
The closure device incorporates a locking element with a specific distance from the connection elements' frontal planes, allowing deformation without contact during impact, preventing force transfer and maintaining closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latching closure device is used to ensure secure closing, then the closure reliability is improved, but the closure device becomes vulnerable to opening under direct impact forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cushioning element positioned between the locking element and the connection element that compresses under impact forces, absorbing the energy before it can transmit to the latching mechanism. This beforehand cushioning prevents the harmful impact from causing the closure to open, while maintaining the secure closed state during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning element acts as an intermediary component between the locking element and the connection element. It mediates the force transmission during impact events, allowing the locking element to move slightly to absorb energy while preventing direct force transmission that would compromise the latching mechanism's reliability.
2Strength
If the locking element is positioned close to the connection element for secure latching, then the latching strength is improved, but the closure device becomes more susceptible to force transfer during drops
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning element is positioned in advance between the locking element and connection element to absorb impact forces before they can reach the latching mechanism. This allows the locking element to maintain its strong latching position while the cushioning element absorbs the energy of impact events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the cushioning element from a rigid connection to a compressible element that can deform under impact. This parameter change allows the system to maintain strong latching forces during normal operation while allowing controlled deformation during impact to prevent force transfer to the latching mechanism.
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
Ensures secure closure of the storage container even when dropped by absorbing impact without opening, using a latching mechanism with parallel frontal planes and a deformable locking element.
Implementation Method 1
the cushioning element is configured to undergo a certain deformation or a certain movement in the direction of the first and second connection element without the third frontal plane of the locking element contacting the first frontal plane of the first connection element and/or the second frontal plane of the second connection element
Data Source
AI summary
Closure device containing a cover, a base, a first connection element, a second connection element and a locking element, the first and second connection element bearing at least partially against one another when the cover and the base bear against one another to close the storage container. The locking element can be positioned on the base so that, in the locking position, separation of the first connection element from the second connection element is prevented, and, in the release position, separation of the first connection element from the second connection element is allowed. The first connection element contains a first frontal plane, the second connection element contains a second frontal plane, and the locking element contains a third frontal plane, wherein the first and second frontal plane are oriented substantially parallel to one another, and the third frontal plane has a distance from the first and second frontal plane when the locking element is situated in the locking position.