Vehicle Container Pivot Locking via Gravity Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container systems for motor vehicles face challenges in securing the container in a closed position, particularly during vibrations, with simple locking systems being insecure and complex systems being expensive and difficult to handle.
Innovation Solution
A container system with a pivot connection that supports the container outside of its equilibrium position, utilizing the weight of the container to generate torque that assists a locking device in holding it securely in a closed position, without additional components, and allowing easy transition to an open position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple locking system is used, then the structure is simple and operation is quick, but the container cannot be securely locked and may pivot unintentionally open during vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The container's own weight serves as the locking force. When the container is in the closed position, gravity acts on it to create a torque that presses the locking element against the locking surface, automatically securing the container without requiring additional active locking mechanisms. The system uses the container's inherent properties (weight) to achieve the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is divided into two functional elements: a locking element connected to the container and a locking surface connected to the frame. This segmentation allows the locking function to be achieved through the interaction between these two simple components, rather than requiring a complex integrated locking mechanism.
2Reliability
If a complex locking system is used, then the container is securely locked, but the structure becomes expensive and handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The container's own weight serves as the locking force. When the container is in the closed position, gravity acts on it to create a torque that presses the locking element against the locking surface, automatically securing the container without requiring additional active locking mechanisms. The system uses the container's inherent properties (weight) to achieve the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using an active mechanism to push the container closed and locked, the system inverts the approach by using the container's weight to naturally press it against the locking surface. The locking force is generated by the absence of support rather than by an active actuator, reversing the conventional approach to locking.
3Reliability
If additional locking components are added, then secure closure is achieved, but the locking system becomes more expensive and container removal/installation becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The container's own weight serves as the locking force. When the container is in the closed position, gravity acts on it to create a torque that presses the locking element against the locking surface, automatically securing the container without requiring additional active locking mechanisms. The system uses the container's inherent properties (weight) to achieve the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted from the container itself and implemented as a separate, simple interaction between a locking element on the container and a locking surface on the frame. This separation allows the locking mechanism to be minimal while still effective, avoiding the need for complex integrated locking systems.
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 simple, quick, and secure locking mechanism that improves with the weight of the container, preventing unintentional opening and allowing easy access and removal, while maintaining structural integrity and ease of installation.
Implementation Method 1
the pivot connection supports the container outside of an equilibrium position of the container, so that a weight of the container generates a torque on the container about the pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
a weight of the container generates a torque on the container about the pivot axis
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The invention relates to a container system (10) for installation in a motor vehicle. The container system (10) comprises a frame (12), a container (14), a pivot connection (16) that pivots the container (14) to the frame (12) about a pivot axis (26), and a locking device (18). The locking device (18) is connected to the frame (12) and is designed to hold the container (14) in a first position. The container (14) can be pivoted into the first position via the pivot connection (16), in which the pivot connection (16) holds the container (14) outside of an equilibrium position. A weight force (FG) of the container (14) generates a torque (M) on the container (14) about the pivot axis (26), with which the container (14) acts on the locking device (18) in the first position to hold the container (14) in the first position.