Frangible Ball Display Case Lock for Tamper-Evident Sealing
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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 or Acrylic, which allows for secure and irreversible locking to prevent unauthorized access and tampering, while allowing for adjustable elevation to accommodate different ball sizes and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tamper-resistant lock is added to the display case, then the security and anti-tampering capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism changes the state parameter of the display case from unlocked to locked, providing tamper resistance through a simple binary state change rather than complex continuous control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The lock is designed as a separate, removable component that can be applied to or removed from the display case independently, extracting the security function as a discrete element rather than integrating it into the main case structure
2Reliability
If an irreversible lock is used to prevent non-destructive removal, then the tamper resistance is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display case is designed with pre-integrated locking features (recesses, engagement protrusions) that are prepared in advance, allowing the lock to be simply applied or removed by aligning and engaging these pre-positioned elements without complex assembly steps
3Reliability
If the cover and base are designed to prevent non-destructive separation, then the tamper resistance is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display case is divided into separate cover and base segments that can be manufactured independently using standard molding processes, then assembled together with integrated locking features, combining ease of manufacturing with tamper resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The locking features are merged into the cover and base structures themselves during molding, rather than being added as separate components, simplifying the manufacturing process while providing tamper-resistant engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A lock for a ball display case includes a plate having a plurality of recessed areas spaced radially about the plate. A plurality of posts extend away from the plate in a direction generally perpendicular to the plate. Each post is in general radial alignment with one of the recessed areas of the plate and spaced radially inward from the recessed area. The lock has frangible portions connecting the posts to the plate. The lock is suitable for engagement with a ball display case in a manner that limits access to an object in the display case. The lock is suitable for use by professional graders and/or authenticators to prevent tampering after the object has been graded and/or authenticated and then locked in the display case.