Asymmetric Locking Adapter for Fluid Dispensing Tamper Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing devices can be tampered with by disassembling the upper and lower parts, leading to potential contamination, as the existing press fits do not ensure secure assembly and make it difficult to track contamination events.
Innovation Solution
An adapter with a ring-shaped base body and locking structures that provide greater resistance to disassembly than assembly, ensuring the upper and lower parts are securely connected, making disassembly difficult and allowing for tamper protection and proof of tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If press fits are used to connect upper and lower parts, then assembly is simple, but disassembly resistance is insufficient allowing tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure employs asymmetric geometry where the locking element extends in one direction only, creating different resistance characteristics for assembly versus disassembly. The locking element has a first end that engages with a corresponding feature on the opposite component, but lacks symmetry that would allow easy removal, thereby preventing tampering while maintaining simple assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The locking structure is designed to be installed in a specific sequence during assembly, where the locking element is positioned and engaged before final assembly completion. This preliminary engagement ensures that the asymmetric locking feature is already in place to prevent any subsequent disassembly attempts, making tampering detection possible
2Reliability
If strong press fits are used to prevent disassembly, then tampering is prevented, but assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional elements: a locking structure with a locking element and a corresponding locking feature. This segmentation allows the locking function to be achieved through geometric interlocking rather than relying solely on high assembly forces, maintaining ease of assembly while ensuring tamper protection through the segmented locking mechanism
3Ease of repair
If parts are made easily separable for maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but contamination protection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric locking structure creates a predetermined resistance to disassembly that acts in advance to prevent unauthorized or improper separation. The locking element's geometry and engagement mechanism establish a barrier that must be overcome with specific tools or methods, thereby preventing casual disassembly that could lead to contamination while still allowing authorized maintenance
Data Source
AI summary
Adapter, fluid dispensing device, and method. The adapter, for connecting a second sleeve of an upper part and a first sleeve of a lower part of a fluid dispensing device, includes a ring-shaped base body with: a longitudinal axis; an inner surface, which encloses a through opening for accommodating the first sleeve and includes an inner locking structure; and an outer surface, which is insertable into an opening of the second sleeve and includes an outer locking structure. At least one of the locking structures is designed such that when the adapter is connected to one of the first or second sleeve, resistance to a relative movement of the adapter to the one of the first or second sleeve in a first direction along the longitudinal axis is greater than in a second direction opposed to the first direction.