Cannabis Storage Assembly with Multi-Mechanism Access Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cannabis storage containers rely on a single means of access prevention, which is insufficient to prevent unencumbered access to the contents, especially for individuals who should not have access, such as children or unauthorized users.
Innovation Solution
A cannabis storage assembly that requires proper alignment of the cap and base for initial security, with a secondary mechanism engaging upon cap orientation change to further secure the container, utilizing visual indicia and mechanical interactions between prongs, ledges, and lips to prevent access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single means of access prevention is used in storage containers, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of access prevention is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The security system is divided into two independent mechanisms: (1) a cap-base alignment mechanism with visual indicia that must be properly aligned before opening, and (2) a cap orientation mechanism with prongs and ledges that requires specific rotational positioning. This segmentation of security functions into separate mechanical subsystems increases reliability without requiring a single complex device
Solution Approach 2:
The cap must first be aligned with the base using visual indicia (arrows, lines, or other markings) before the container can be opened. This preliminary alignment action ensures that even if someone bypasses the final opening mechanism, they cannot access contents without first performing the correct alignment sequence, adding a layer of preventive action before access is attempted
2Reliability
If multiple mechanisms of access prevention are implemented, then the reliability of security is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to required alignment and manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
Visual indicia such as colored arrows, lines, or markings are provided on both the cap and base to guide proper alignment. These visual cues make the alignment process intuitive and error-proof, allowing users to quickly understand the correct positioning without complex instructions, thereby maintaining ease of operation while enhancing security
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is designed with rotational freedom that allows it to be dynamically positioned in different orientations. The prongs and ledges create a mechanical system that naturally guides the cap into the correct secured or unsecured orientation through simple rotational movement, making the multi-mechanism system easy to operate through natural hand movements rather than complex manipulation sequences
3Reliability
If visual indicia and mechanical interactions are used for security, then the reliability of access prevention is enhanced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment features use asymmetric visual indicia (such as arrows pointing in specific directions or asymmetric line patterns) that are easily manufactured through standard printing or molding processes. The mechanical features include asymmetric prong and ledge configurations that provide clear engagement points, allowing for tolerance-friendly manufacturing without requiring ultra-precise alignment features
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment and security functions are separated into distinct manufacturing components: visual indicia are applied as surface markings on separately molded cap and base parts, while the mechanical prongs and ledges are integrated into the mold cavities. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with standard tolerances, avoiding the need for high-precision multi-component assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A cannabis storage assembly includes a cap assembly comprised of a cap and a base, as well as a container upon which the cap assembly is mounted. Upon proper alignment of the cap into the base and further manipulation of the cap relative to the base once inserted, the user of the cannabis storage assembly can fully secure the container's contents.