Pallet Container Valve Locking Element Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallet container valve assemblies are cumbersome to disassemble, prone to damage, and pose a risk of finger jamming, with latching hooks that can break and clog the container, leading to frequent out-of-commission issues during routine valve exchanges.
Innovation Solution
A container with a separate, movably mounted locking element that securely engages the valve assembly in a form-locking manner, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and can be replaced without damaging the container, featuring a biasing element like a leaf spring for self-locking and ergonomic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If integrally formed latching hooks are used for securing the valve assembly, then toolless assembly and disassembly is enabled, but the latching hooks are prone to breakage and can clog the container
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate components: a locking element with latching hooks and a locking structure. The latching hooks are part of the removable locking element rather than being integrally formed with the container, so if they break, they can be replaced without damaging the container or causing permanent clogging.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching hooks are extracted from the container structure and placed on a separate locking element that can be independently replaced. This extraction allows the hooks to be maintained or replaced without affecting the container's integrity, solving the problem of broken hooks causing permanent damage.
2Strength
If manual unlatching of latching hooks is required, then the valve assembly can be secured, but the disassembly process becomes cumbersome requiring both hands and bending down
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is made movable relative to the locking structure, allowing it to transition between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic design enables easy release of the locking mechanism by simply moving the locking element, eliminating the need for manual unlatching operations that require bending and two hands.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary between the user and the valve assembly. Instead of directly manipulating latching hooks on the valve or container, the user interacts with the locking element which mediates the locking and unlocking actions, making the operation simpler and more ergonomic.
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism is integrated into the container, then secure locking is achieved, but damage to the container during assembly or disassembly can render it out of commission
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into the container's locking structure and a separate locking element. This segmentation ensures that if damage occurs during assembly or disassembly, only the locking element needs to be replaced, not the entire container, thereby improving ease of repair and reducing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed as a replaceable, lower-cost component compared to the container. If damage occurs, the inexpensive locking element can be discarded and replaced, while the expensive container remains intact and continues to serve its primary function.
4Ease of repair
If a separate movably mounted locking element is used, then easy replacement without container damage is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the latching hooks for securing the valve assembly, acts as a movable component for easy locking and unlocking, and serves as a replaceable unit for simplified repair. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating several functions into a single component.
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
The solution provides a robust, easy-to-handle latching mechanism that reduces the risk of damage and finger injury during assembly and disassembly, allowing for efficient and cost-effective maintenance by enabling the replacement of the locking element without affecting the container's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a biasing element like a leaf spring for self-locking
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention concerns a container (1), preferably a pallet container with a liner bag, comprising a base (2), at least one side wall (3), an exchangeable valve assembly (4), which can be mounted in an insertion direction into a valve socket (5) provided in the container (1). The container (1) comprises at least one locking element (6), which is configured for locking engagement of a locking structure (7) of the valve assembly (4) and which is movably mounted in or on the container (1) and can be moved between an open position, in which the valve assembly (4) can be inserted into or removed from the valve socket (5) and a closed position, in which the locking element (6) engages the locking structure (7) of the valve assembly, in order to secure it inside of the valve socket (5).