Ball Display Case With Irreversible Lock for Tamper Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display cases for sports memorabilia, particularly autographed balls, face challenges in providing tamper-resistant and portable solutions that can be used at public shows without causing noise or occupying excessive space, while also ensuring the preservation of the item's condition and authenticity.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-resistant ball display case with a transparent cover and adjustable pedestal, secured by a bayonet connection and an irreversible lock, made from impact-resistant materials like Polycarbonate and Acrylic, which allows for secure and irreversible locking to prevent unauthorized access and tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tamper-resistant display case is used to protect the ball, then the ball's security and condition are improved, but the case becomes bulky and less portable
Solution Approach 1:
The display case is divided into separate components: a base, a removable cover, and an irreversible lock mechanism. This segmentation allows the case to be portable when disassembled while providing secure protection when assembled, resolving the contradiction between security and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The case transitions from a static enclosed structure to a dynamic system with a removable cover and adjustable lock. The cover can be removed for portability, and the irreversible lock provides security when needed, allowing the case to adapt between portable and secure states.
2Reliability
If equipment like sonic welders is used to seal the display case, then tamper resistance is improved, but noise and equipment bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sealing systems (like sonic welders) with a simpler mechanical lock and cover system. The irreversible lock provides tamper resistance through mechanical engagement rather than requiring noisy sealing equipment, eliminating the harmful noise factor while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The irreversible lock acts as a disposable security element that provides tamper resistance without requiring expensive or noisy equipment. Once applied, it permanently secures the case, replacing the need for complex sealing machinery.
3Ease of operation
If the cover is made transparent for viewing, then accessibility for viewing is improved, but protection against tampering is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent cover is segmented from the base and secured by an irreversible lock mechanism. This allows the cover to provide viewing accessibility while the lock provides tamper resistance, resolving the contradiction between transparency and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The irreversible lock acts as an intermediary between the transparent cover and the base, enabling the cover to be transparent for viewing while the lock provides the tamper resistance that would otherwise be compromised by the transparent material.
Data Source
AI summary
A ball display case has base and a cover that is securable to the base. The cover and base at least partially enclose a space for holding a ball when the cover is secured to the base. The cover can be moved to a position in which the cover cannot be non-destructively removed from the base without moving the cover relative to the base away from this position. A lock is adapted for selective application to at least one of the base and the cover. The lock prevents non-destructive movement of the cover away from the position. The lock is adapted for selectively and irreversibly converting the display case from an unlocked condition in which the cover is releasably secured to the base to a locked condition in which the cover cannot be non-destructively removed from the base.