Asymmetric Container Opening Key-Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container systems, particularly those with standard DIN openings, often suffer from incorrect connection assignments due to lack of reliable identification methods, leading to potential confusion and misuse.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a key-lock principle with a first fitting part forming projections and a second fitting part forming recesses, ensuring only the correct connection device can be inserted and secured, along with a tamper-evident closure that requires partial removal before use, preventing incorrect connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard DIN openings are used in containers, then manufacturing simplicity and cost-effectiveness are improved, but connection reliability and prevention of incorrect assignment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing the opening with a geometric configuration that does not coincide with the rotational symmetry of the container body. Specifically, the opening is offset from the center axis or has an asymmetric shape that requires the connection device to be oriented in a specific angular position, thereby preventing incorrect connections while maintaining standard container body designs
2Ease of operation
If color coding is used to identify containers, then ease of identification is improved, but reliability of correct connection deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical coding system between the container and connection device. This intermediary mechanism (the asymmetric opening geometry) acts as a physical mediator that enforces correct pairing, eliminating reliance on human interpretation of color codes and preventing incorrect connections through mechanical constraint
3Ease of operation
If the cap can be detached without tools, then ease of operation is improved, but prevention of unauthorized or incorrect connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by requiring the cap to be detached with tools before the connection device can be applied. This preliminary step (tool-based cap removal) serves as a barrier that prevents casual or unauthorized access, ensuring that only intended users with appropriate tools can establish connections, thereby enhancing security while maintaining operational ease for authorized users
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 1d~1e
AI summary
The invention relates to a container (10) and a method for at least partially emptying the container (10). The container (10) has an opening (16). A connecting device (18) is at least partially inserted into the opening (16). Only a matching connecting device (18) can be inserted into the opening (16) between the opening (16) and the connecting device (18) by means of a key-lock principle. For this purpose, a first fitting part is formed on the connecting device (18) and a corresponding second fitting part is formed on the opening (16).