Transport Container Tray Dead Center Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport containers for sorting devices lack a reliable and cost-effective mechanism for securely transitioning between transporting and tilting positions, often requiring separate securing means and prone to accidental opening or overshooting.
Innovation Solution
A transport container design featuring rotatably mounted carrying trays with an actuating device that includes levers positioned in a dead center blocking position, utilizing the weight of the trays and levers to secure the position, and a trigger lever to move the levers between transporting and tilting positions, with guide elements and sliding elements for smooth motion and damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate securing means are used to secure the carrying trays in transporting and tilting positions, then the reliability of position securing is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating lever is designed to automatically secure itself in dead center positions during operation. The lever's own weight and the gravitational force on the carrying tray create a self-locking effect at the transporting position, eliminating the need for separate securing means. The system serves itself by using its operational motion to achieve secure positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing mechanism transitions from a static locking system to a dynamic self-securing system. The actuating lever moves through dead center positions during normal operation, and the changing gravitational forces during motion automatically create the securing effect. The system adapts its securing force based on the operational phase.
2Productivity
If the carrying trays are easily movable for efficient sorting operation, then the productivity is improved, but the risk of accidental opening or overshooting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dead center position of the actuating lever creates a preliminary blocking effect that prevents accidental opening. Before any unintended motion can occur, the lever's geometry and gravitational forces create a blocking position that must be actively overcome by the trigger mechanism, providing preliminary protection against errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating lever acts as an intermediary between the carrying tray and the trigger mechanism. It translates the simple trigger activation into controlled tray motion, mediating the force application to ensure precise positioning and prevent overshooting while maintaining easy operability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the actuating mechanism uses heavy components for stable positioning, then the stability is improved, but the energy consumption and actuating force required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating lever is positioned and dimensioned to create a counterbalancing effect with the carrying tray's weight. The lever's own weight and position create a counter-moment that balances the tray's gravitational force, achieving stable positioning without requiring additional heavy components or excessive actuating force.
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
This design provides a self-securing mechanism that prevents unintentional opening, reduces noise and vibration, and allows for efficient and synchronized operation of the carrying trays, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the sorting process.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating lever, in particular in each case the first actuating lever and/or the second actuating lever, in the transporting position and/or the tilting position is disposed in a dead center position that forms a blocking position
Implementation Method 2
guide elements and sliding elements for smooth motion and damping
Implementation Method 3
guide elements and sliding elements for smooth motion and damping
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a transport container (4) for a sorting device (1), which can be moved along a conveying path (2), comprising a support frame (6), wherein at least one support tray (8, 10) is rotatably mounted on the support frame, in particular a first support tray (8) and a second support tray (10) following the first support tray (8) in the conveying direction (A) of the transport container (4), wherein the at least one support tray (8, 10) can be rotationally moved by a control device (12) between a substantially horizontal transport position (P1) for transporting a load (L) and a substantially vertical tilt position (P2) for depositing the load (L), wherein the control device (12) has a control lever (14, 16) connected to the support tray, in particular a first control lever (14) connected to the first support tray (8) and a second control lever (16) connected to the second support tray (10), wherein the control lever (14, 16), in particular the respective first control lever (14) and/or second control lever (16), is arranged in the transport position (P1) and/or the tilt position (P2) in a top dead centre position forming a locking position.