Twistlock Flexible Wire Coupling Eliminates Slide Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing twistlock spring mechanisms are bulky, prone to jamming, and risk breakage due to the slide structure, which increases the length of the twistlock and requires additional components, and can be damaged by impacts and improper rotation.
Innovation Solution
The twistlock incorporates two flexible elements, such as helical springs or rubber components, connected in a flexible or sliding manner to the operating wire, with a coupling point separating them, where one element limits between the body and the coupling point, and the other between the coupling point and the end of the operating wire, providing a simpler, more reliable, and lightweight design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a slide structure is used to prevent operating wire movement, then the locking mechanism can control wire movement, but the twistlock body becomes longer and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the slide structure from the twistlock mechanism. Instead of using a slide to prevent operating wire movement, the invention uses the flexibility of the operating wire itself combined with spring elements to achieve the same functional outcome, thereby eliminating the complex slide component and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the operating wire from rigid to flexible. By allowing the operating wire to flex rather than using a rigid wire with a slide constraint, the mechanism achieves movement control through the wire's inherent flexibility combined with spring forces, eliminating the need for additional constraining components
2Reliability
If a slide structure is used to prevent operating wire movement, then the locking mechanism can control wire movement, but the twistlock body becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the slide structure entirely, the patent eliminates the additional length that the slide would occupy within the twistlock body. The flexible operating wire approach requires minimal space compared to a slide mechanism, thereby reducing the overall length of the twistlock body
3Device complexity
If the operating wire is fixed rigidly to the locking piece, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the wire may break due to impacts or improper rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the connection parameter from rigid to flexible. The operating wire is allowed to flex and move relative to the locking piece through a controlled interface, enabling the wire to absorb impacts and accommodate improper rotation without breaking, while still maintaining reliable mechanical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates spring elements that provide beforehand cushioning for the operating wire. These springs absorb external forces and impacts before they can transmit damaging loads to the wire, preventing breakage while maintaining the simplicity of the overall 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
This design simplifies the twistlock's construction, reduces its size and weight, enhances operational reliability, and prevents breakage by allowing flexible movement under external forces, maintaining the locking mechanism's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
two flexible elements, such as helical springs or rubber components, connected in a flexible or sliding manner to the operating wire
Implementation Method 2
the flexible elements are helical springs sliding freely on top of the operating wire
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
Twistlock for joining together two containers stacked one above the other or for joining a container to a fixing point below it, which twistlock comprises a body (1), an upper pivoted locking piece (2) for the container and a lower pivoted locking piece (3) for the lower container or for the counterpiece of the mounting bed, which upper and lower locking pieces are rigidly in connection with each other e.g. by means of a shaft (4), and into which twistlock an operating wire (6) is arranged for turning the locking pieces. The invention is implemented in such a way that at least one element (8, 9) that is flexible in its longitudinal direction is threaded onto the operating wire (6), in that the operating wire (6) is connected in a flexible or sliding manner to a coupling point (5) on the shaft (4) of the locking pieces (2, 3), and in that the coupling point (5) separates the flexible elements (8, 9) from each other or the halves of one flexible element from each other.