Transport Container Closure Mechanism for Heavy Load Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transport containers are complex and costly to construct, with high component counts that complicate stability and weight optimization, particularly for heavy goods exceeding 2000 kg.

Innovation Solution

A transport container design featuring a drive rod guided on a fixed faceplate, with multiple closure elements attached to the drive rod for enhanced stability, and a receiving profile with a U- or C-shaped groove for secure attachment, allowing for modular assembly and low weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If complex closure mechanisms with multiple components are used, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases and weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosure stabilityVSAvoidclosure mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure mechanism is segmented into a drive rod with first closure elements on one container part and corresponding second closure elements on the opposite container part. This segmentation allows each element to be simple in design while the combination provides stable locking, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple closure elements are attached to the drive rod and work together to provide stable locking. The merging of multiple simple elements achieves the stability of complex mechanisms without the corresponding complexity, as each element has a straightforward design but collectively they create a robust closure system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If more closure components are added to increase stability, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosure reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system is divided into separable components (drive rod, first closure elements, second closure elements) that can be manufactured independently using simple processes, then assembled. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving reliable closure through the coordinated action of multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drive rod serves multiple functions: it guides the movement of closure elements, provides structural support, and transmits the locking force. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, maintaining ease of manufacture while ensuring reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If a guided drive rod system is used, then stability against mechanical loads is improved, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical load resistanceVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The guide structure and drive rod are merged into an integrated assembly where the drive rod is guided along the faceplate. This merging provides stable mechanical load resistance without requiring separate guide components, reducing the overall number of parts while maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The faceplate serves dual functions: it provides the guiding surface for the drive rod movement and acts as a structural element of the container part. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional guide components, maintaining mechanical strength while minimizing component quantity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Stability of the object's composition

If supporting edges are inclined to pull container parts together, then connection stability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer part connectionVSAvoidsupporting edge angle precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting edges are designed with a slight inclination angle that optimizes the pulling force between container parts during closure. This parameter optimization provides stable connection while the angle is designed to be manufacturable with standard tolerances, balancing connection stability with manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4442592A1Transport container
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 AUG WINKHAUS SE
  • EP4442592A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4442592A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4442592A1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A transport container (1) comprising a first container part (2) and a second container part (3) connectable to the first container part (2) in a joining direction has a closure (7) with a longitudinally displaceable connecting rod (20). The connecting rod (20) is guided on a sleeve rail (19) and has first locking elements (9). Second locking elements (10) are fixedly arranged on the other of the container parts (2). This results in a particularly simple design for the transport container (1) and high stability.