Container Locking With Trapezoidal Pinholes for Easy Pin Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container locking systems face difficulties in easily inserting and securely fixing fixing pins due to component deviations, leading to loose fittings and inadequate cargo support.
Innovation Solution
A container locking apparatus with trapezoidal pinhole parts and fixing pin devices that guide the pin for easy insertion and firm fixation, utilizing guider and safety members to maintain the pin's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixing pin is used to lock container components, then the components can be secured, but the fixing pin is difficult to insert due to deviation between components
Solution Approach 1:
A guider component is introduced as an intermediary element between the fixing pin and the pinhole. The guider has a guiding end that fits into the pinhole and a guiding surface that directs the fixing pin during insertion, mediating the connection between the pin and hole while compensating for alignment deviations
Solution Approach 2:
The pinhole is designed with a trapezoidal cross-section rather than a simple circular hole. This geometric parameter change creates a tapered structure that naturally guides the fixing pin during insertion, transforming the insertion process from a precision-alignment requirement to a self-aligning operation
2Reliability
If a fixing pin is inserted into a pinhole to lock components, then the components can be locked, but the fixing pin becomes loose and shaky
Solution Approach 1:
The pinhole is designed with an asymmetric trapezoidal cross-section where the width varies along the insertion direction. This asymmetric geometry creates different clearance conditions during insertion versus in the locked state, allowing easy insertion while preventing loosening through the tighter fit at the locked position
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing pin and pinhole incorporate curved surfaces and rounded edges rather than sharp corners. The curved guiding surfaces in the pinhole and corresponding features on the pin create a self-centering effect during insertion and maintain continuous contact during operation, preventing the pin from becoming shaky
3Ease of operation
If a fixing pin is loosely inserted due to component deviation, then insertion is easier, but the fixing force is insufficient to support cargo
Solution Approach 1:
The guider is positioned in advance within the pinhole structure, performing the preliminary action of guiding and aligning the fixing pin before the actual locking occurs. This preliminary guidance ensures proper positioning while maintaining sufficient fixing force through the subsequent locked state
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is segmented into two distinct phases: a guidance phase handled by the guider component with its guiding surfaces, and a locking phase handled by the fixing pin engaging with the pinhole. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function while achieving both ease of insertion and adequate fixing force
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a container locking apparatus that allows easier insertion of a fixing pin while allowing more secure fixation; and a container. More particularly, the container locking apparatus includes at least one pinhole part formed at a portion of a container; and a fixing pin device formed at another portion of the container to correspond to the pinhole part, and slidably formed such that at least a portion of the fixing pin device can be inserted into the pinhole part to lock a portion of the container, wherein the pinhole part may include a regular trapezoidal pinhole part with an overall positive trapezoidal shape or an inverse trapezoidal pinhole part with an overall negative trapezoidal shape.