Stacking Latch Mechanism Using Weight-Activated Hook Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stacking latch mechanisms require manual operation to engage and secure containers, which can be inconvenient, especially when carrying multiple stackable bodies to a jobsite.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism that automatically secures two bodies together by applying moderate downward pressure, utilizing a rotatable latch with primary and secondary hooks and a bias to engage and disengage without manual movement, allowing the weight of the upper body to activate the latch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual connector with a swinging portion is used to latch two bodies, then the latch can be securely engaged, but the operator must actively move the swinging portion into engagement which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage when one body is placed on top of another. The weight of the upper body causes the latch to rotate and the primary hook to engage with the step on the lower body without requiring manual operation. The biasing element ensures the latch returns to its engaged position after rotation, making the entire engagement process self-activating and eliminating the need for the operator to manually move any latch components.
2Productivity
If a manual connector is used, then the latch can be engaged and disengaged, but it requires active movement of the swinging portion which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is pre-configured with the primary hook and secondary hook in positions that enable automatic engagement. The biasing element is pre-loaded to provide the necessary force for the latch to rotate into the engaged position. When stacking occurs, these pre-configured elements work together to immediately secure the bodies without requiring time-consuming manual manipulation, thereby increasing productivity and reducing the time lost during engagement operations.
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 stacking of containers without manual operation, ensuring reliable engagement and disengagement through the use of a self-activating mechanism that uses the weight of the upper body to engage the latch, enhancing convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The latch mechanism also includes a bias configured to bias the latch toward its first position
Implementation Method 2
the weight of the upper body would supply enough downward force to engage the latch mechanism and secure the two bodies together
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a latch mechanism configured to secure two bodies together by simply placing one body on top of the other and applying moderate downward pressure to the top body. The latch mechanism includes a housing and a latch partially disposed within the housing. The latch includes a main body, and a primary hook and an opposing secondary hook both extending from the main body. The latch is configured to be rotatable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the primary hook is not obscured by the housing. In the second position, the primary hook is substantially obscured by the housing. The latch mechanism also includes a bias configured to bias the latch toward its first position.