Beverage Container Powered Locking Device for Adulteration Prevention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage containers lack secure mechanisms to prevent adulteration, particularly in large social events where the risk of drug-facilitated sexual assaults (DFSA) is significant.

Innovation Solution

A secure beverage container equipped with a powered locking device and an access control device that uses a security token, such as a biometric characteristic, to switch between locked and unlocked states, ensuring the beverage cannot be accessed or adulterated without authorization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a beverage container is designed as a simple disposable container, then it is easy to manufacture and use, but it lacks security features to prevent adulteration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against adulterationVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The beverage container is divided into separate functional components: a disposable body for holding the beverage, a removable lid for access, and an integrated locking mechanism with access control. This segmentation allows the security features to be added as modular components rather than redesigning the entire container system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A powered locking device acts as an intermediary between the lid and the container body, providing the security function. The locking mechanism includes a latch that physically secures the lid to the body, while an access control device mediates the locking/unlocking actions based on authentication tokens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If access control features are added to the beverage container, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control securityVSAvoidcontainer production

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The access control device is designed to accept multiple types of authentication tokens (biometric data, RFID tags, NFC devices, proximity sensors) through a single unified interface. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware platform to support various authentication methods, simplifying manufacturing compared to producing separate systems for each token type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical locking systems are replaced with powered electronic locking mechanisms controlled by access control logic. The powered locking device uses electric motors or actuators instead of manual key mechanisms, and the access control device uses electronic authentication instead of physical keys, enabling more secure and controllable access while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a powered locking device with access control is integrated into the beverage container, then prevention of beverage adulteration is enhanced, but the container requires additional power sources and control systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage contamination riskVSAvoidpower and control systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The powered locking device and access control device are integrated into a unified system mounted on the lid. The power source, locking mechanism, and access control electronics are combined in a single assembly rather than distributed separately, reducing overall system complexity and simplifying integration into the container design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If the locking mechanism is made secure and tamper-proof, then beverage security is improved, but the ease of operation for authorized users may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking securityVSAvoidlid access for drinking

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The access control device is configured to automatically authenticate and unlock the locking mechanism when the authorized user presents their token, eliminating the need for manual locking/unlocking actions. The system performs the security check and mechanical operation in advance of when the user needs access, maintaining both security and convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12221258B2Secure beverage container with locking feature and related methods

Publication Date: 2025.02.11 SECURE CUP ENTERPRISES LLC

AI summary

A secure beverage container may include a body having a first end, a second end opposing the first end, a first longitudinal side extending between the first end and the second end, and a second longitudinal side opposing the first longitudinal side and extending between the first end and the second end, the first end being closed, the second end being open. The body may define a cavity to receive a beverage fluid. The secure beverage container may include a lid to be received by the second end to seal the cavity in the body, and a powered locking device. The secure beverage container may include an access control device coupled to the powered locking device and configured to cause the powered locking device to switch between the locked state and the unlocked state based upon a security token.