Universal Latch Mechanism for Stacked Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stackable containers of different types, sizes, and models often have incompatible stacking patterns, leading to reduced stability and efficiency when stacked together, and lack a reliable mechanism to prevent accidental separation.
Innovation Solution
A latching system comprising pivot and latch bosses, and a latch mechanism with a pivot end, flexible mid portion, and latch end, designed to securely engage and stabilize containers, allowing for vertical stacking while preventing accidental separation, with optional reinforcement for enhanced security during transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If containers of different types, sizes, and models are stacked together, then stacking flexibility is improved, but vertical stability deteriorates due to incompatible stacking patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different container types, sizes, and stacking patterns. The mechanism includes a pivot boss, latch boss, and resilient latch member that can engage with various container configurations, allowing one latch mechanism to serve multiple container compatibility functions while maintaining stable connection between stacked containers of different designs
2Productivity
If containers are stacked vertically to improve space utilization, then storage efficiency is improved, but accidental separation risk increases due to lack of securing mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is pre-configured with a resilient latch member that automatically engages with the latch boss when containers are stacked, providing preliminary securing action. The biased configuration of the latch member ensures it proactively engages with the latch boss to prevent accidental separation before any separation force is applied
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism incorporates a resilient latch member that can dynamically respond to forces applied to the stacked containers. The member can flex and deform under load while maintaining engagement, and can be manually actuated to disengage when needed, providing dynamic security that adapts to different handling conditions
3Stability of the object's composition
If a latch mechanism is added to secure stacked containers, then vertical stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a pivot boss for rotation, a latch boss for engagement, and a resilient latch member for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while achieving stable latching of stacked containers through coordinated action of simple individual parts
Data Source
AI summary
A latch system for stacked containers includes a plurality of bosses and a latch mechanism. The bosses are coupled to each of the stack containers and may include a pivot boss, a storage boss and a latch boss. The latch mechanism includes a pivot end portion, a flexible mid portion and a latch end portion. The pivot end portion is placed onto the pivot boss to allow rotation of the latch mechanism there about. In one embodiment, the pivot end portion includes a rounded inner diameter to permit both in-plane and out-of-plane rotation of the latch mechanism relative to the container. The latch end portion biasly engages either the storage boss of the same container or the latch boss of another container.