Wheel Transport Container with Spring-Loaded Gate Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for packaging and transporting vehicle wheels are inefficient, as they require manual loading and unloading, risk injury, and often violate regulations by flat-stacking wheels, which can lead to deterioration during storage.
Innovation Solution
A storage and transport container with adjustable posts and spring-loaded locks allows for vertical storage and transport of wheels, enabling secure locking and adjustable height settings to accommodate different wheel sizes, while also facilitating easy stacking and secure loading/unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If wheels are flat-packed on wooden pallets for transport, then space utilization is improved, but wheel deterioration occurs and government regulations are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The container enables wheels to be stored vertically (changing from horizontal flat-packing to vertical orientation), allowing space-efficient arrangement while preventing wheel deterioration. The container structure with posts and locking mechanisms supports wheels in the vertical dimension, resolving the contradiction between space utilization and wheel integrity.
2Ease of operation
If wheels are individually loaded and offloaded by people, then flexibility in handling is improved, but time consumption increases and injury risk occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The container features a rotatable gate that can be locked in multiple positions, allowing the container to be self-sufficient for securing wheels without requiring manual handling for each wheel. The gate locking mechanism enables rapid securing of multiple wheels simultaneously, improving productivity while maintaining operational flexibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple container structure is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but adaptability to different wheel sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The container incorporates adjustable posts that can be positioned at different heights and locked in place, allowing the container structure to dynamically adapt to different wheel sizes. This simple yet effective adjustment mechanism provides versatility without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
4Quantity of substance
If heavy wheel loads are supported, then load capacity is improved, but structural strength requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure is divided into multiple posts and a rotatable gate, distributing the heavy wheel loads across several structural elements rather than concentrating weight on a single component. This segmentation allows the container to support heavy loads while maintaining reasonable structural strength requirements for each individual 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 container ensures safe and efficient transport and storage of wheels by securely locking them in a vertical position, reducing manual labor and compliance with regulations, thereby extending wheel life and optimizing space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring loaded gate lock attached to the rotatable gate, the first spring loaded gate lock comprising a first gate locking member configured to generally constantly be forced into a locked position by the spring
Data Source
AI summary
A storage and transport container comprising: a lower front member; a first post attached to the first end of the lower front member; a second post attached to the second end of the lower front member; a floor front member attached to the first post and the second post, and located below the lower front member; a rotatable gate rotatably attached to the lower front member, and lockably attachable to the first post and the second post; a first tab extending from the first post, with a first hole located in the first tab; a first spring loaded gate lock attached to the rotatable gate, the first spring loaded gate lock comprising a first gate locking member configured to generally constantly be forced into a locked position by the spring and configured to slide into the first hole in order to lock the first spring loaded gate lock.