Secure beverage container with locking feature and related methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
The security of beverage containers at social events is often compromised, leading to risks such as cross-contamination and drug-facilitated sexual assaults, with existing solutions like smart coasters and beverage containers with contamination detection being inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A secure beverage container with a powered locking mechanism that switches between locked and unlocked states based on a security token, utilizing biometric scanners, voice commands, or wireless communication, and features like electromagnets or air pressure to secure the lid, preventing unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secure beverage container with powered locking mechanism is implemented, then security against unauthorized access and adulteration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional modules: access control device (biometric scanner, voice command interface, or wireless communication receiver), mechanical assembly with electromagnet or air pressure system, and latch mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving security while making the overall system more manageable and maintainable despite the increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the lid assembly containing the mechanical assembly is received by and nested within the beverage container body. The latch mechanism is nested within the lid assembly, and the electromagnet or air pressure system is integrated within the mechanical assembly. This nesting approach consolidates multiple functions into a compact integrated system, addressing the security enhancement requirement while containing the device complexity within a unified structure.
2Reliability
If biometric scanners, voice commands, or wireless communication are used for access control, then security is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The access control system is designed to be dynamic and adaptive, supporting multiple authentication methods (biometric scanning, voice commands, wireless communication tokens) that can be selected based on user preference and situation. The system dynamically transitions between locked and unlocked states based on authentication results, providing both high security and operational flexibility. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain security while adapting to different user needs and scenarios.
3Reliability
If electromagnets or air pressure systems are used to secure the lid, then security is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnet or air pressure system operates periodically rather than continuously - activating only during the brief moment when authentication is successful and the lid needs to be locked or unlocked. The system transitions between locked and unlocked states based on authentication events, minimizing energy consumption while maintaining security. This periodic operation allows the system to provide high security through strong locking forces when needed, while consuming minimal energy during normal operation.
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 solution effectively prevents unauthorized access and adulteration of beverages, enhancing user security and reducing the risk of drug-facilitated assaults by ensuring only the authorized user can open the container.
Implementation Method 1
features like electromagnets or air pressure to secure the lid
Implementation Method 2
features like electromagnets or air pressure to secure the lid
Data Source
AI summary
A secure beverage container includes a body having a first end, and a second end opposing the first end. The secure beverage container includes a lid assembly to be received by the second end. The lid assembly includes a lid housing, a sipper carried by the lid housing, a latch carried by the lid housing and configured to selectively latch to adjacent portions of the body, and a mechanical assembly carried by the lid housing and coupled to the sipper and the latch. The mechanical assembly is configured to operate in one of a locked state, and an unlocked state. The lid assembly also includes an access control device carried by the lid housing and coupled to the mechanical assembly, the access control device configured to cause the mechanical assembly to switch between the locked state and the unlocked state based upon a security token.