Wedge-Actuated Container Locking for Gooseneck Trailer Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container locking devices for vehicles, particularly those used on gooseneck trailers, require manual operation for locking and unlocking, posing safety risks and inefficiencies, especially when dealing with gooseneck containers where space constraints limit the use of standard locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A container locking device with a horizontally displaceable locking bolt and a wedge slide mechanism that allows for both vertical and horizontal locking, driven by a pneumatic cylinder, featuring a safety lock and emergency release mechanism to ensure secure and automatic operation even in the absence of compressed air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard vertical locking mechanism is used, then conventional containers can be secured, but gooseneck containers cannot be locked due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device integrates both a vertical locking bolt for conventional containers and a horizontal locking bolt for gooseneck containers into a single mechanism. The wedge slide can drive both locking bolts in different directions, allowing one device to serve multiple container types without requiring separate locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a horizontal locking dimension to the traditional vertical locking mechanism. By introducing a horizontal locking bolt that operates perpendicular to the vertical bolt, the system can accommodate gooseneck containers that require lateral securing, while still maintaining compatibility with conventional containers through the vertical locking path.
2Extent of automation
If manual locking operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but safety risks and operational inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device uses a spring-loaded safety lock that automatically engages when the wedge slide is in the retracted position, preventing unintended movement of the locking bolts. The system self-regulates through mechanical feedback from the wedge slide position, eliminating the need for complex electronic sensors or control systems while maintaining automatic operation and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge slide acts as an intermediary mechanical element that translates single-directional drive force into coordinated movement of both vertical and horizontal locking bolts. This mechanical mediation simplifies the control system by using pure mechanical linkages and cam mechanisms rather than requiring separate actuators and electronic control for each locking direction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a horizontal locking bolt is added for gooseneck containers, then locking capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the driving mechanisms for the vertical and horizontal locking bolts into a single wedge slide assembly. The wedge slide's lateral movement simultaneously actuates both locking bolts through integrated cam surfaces and leverage arms, reducing the total component count and simplifying the overall structure compared to having separate drive mechanisms for each locking direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses dynamic cam surfaces on the wedge slide that automatically adjust the force distribution between the vertical and horizontal locking bolts based on their respective positions and resistance. This dynamic force allocation allows the single wedge slide to effectively control both locking directions without requiring complex control systems or additional sensors.
4Speed
If compressed air drive is used, then locking speed and power are improved, but reliability decreases when compressed air is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded safety lock is pre-loaded and positioned to automatically engage if the wedge slide fails to return to its retracted position due to compressed air failure. This beforehand prepared mechanical backup ensures that the locking bolts remain secured even when the pneumatic drive system is unavailable, preventing unintended unlocking while maintaining operational reliability.
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
Enables secure, automatic, and efficient locking and unlocking of both conventional and gooseneck containers without manual intervention, enhancing safety and reducing operational risks by utilizing a compact design that preserves valuable loading space.
Implementation Method 1
The wedge slide has a ramp which engages with the locking bolt during the lateral movement of the wedge slide and gives the locking bolt an axial movement and a rotational movement through 90°
Implementation Method 2
A membrane storage drive is proposed as the drive for the linear movement, which is only held in its working position when compressed air is applied
Data Source
AI summary
A container locking device on a vehicle (F), for locking a container to be transported on a loading surface of the vehicle and having a corner fitting, comprising a lock housing (1), a locking bolt (2) and a drive (3), said locking bolt (2) having a shaft (20) and a locking head (21) which, in the unlocked state, can be introduced via an opening in the corner fitting of the container and, in the locked state, secures the container via projections engaging behind the opening in the corner fitting, the locking bolt (2) with its shaft (20) being mounted so as to be both axially movable in the lock housing (1) and also rotatable about its axis. A wedge slide (4) is mounted in the lock housing (1) so as to be movable to and fro laterally, that is to say perpendicularly to the axis of the locking bolt (2), and can be driven by the drive (3), and the wedge slide (4) has a lead-in slope which engages with the locking bolt (2) during the lateral movement of the wedge slide (4) and allows the locking bolt (2) an axial movement and a rotary movement about 90°, a horizontal lock bolt (7) being mounted in the lock housing (1) so as to be axially and horizontal movable. The invention also relates to a container locking method for said container locking device.