Concentric Tube Container with Rotating Key Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a container for electronic smoking articles that provides secure, tamper-proof, and child-resistant storage to prevent breakage and unauthorized access, as traditional carrying cases are prone to damage and tampering.
Innovation Solution
The design features a modular, eco-friendly container with concentric tubes and a locking mechanism, including a pull and turn key, pinch container with biased paddles, and a press and turn mechanism, which ensures secure storage by using a rotatable key with a biasing member and a cap channel to lock and unlock the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional carrying case is used for electronic smoking articles, then the container is simple and easy to manufacture, but the articles are prone to breakage and tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs a telescoping tube design where an inner tube is nested within an outer tube. The inner tube holds the electronic smoking articles while the outer tube provides additional protection. The tubes slide relative to each other to enable opening and closing, creating a nested structure that enhances security and protection without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The container incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism with a key that rotates to engage or disengage locking tabs. The locking tabs are biased by springs and can be moved between locked and unlocked positions through rotation of the key, providing a secure yet operable system that balances protection with ease of access when authorized.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is added to prevent tampering and child access, then the container becomes tamper-proof and child-resistant, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the user and the locking mechanism. The key's notches align with corresponding features on the locking tabs to enable rotation and engagement. This intermediary component provides a simple interface for securing and opening the container without requiring complex electronic systems or multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the key with notches, the locking tabs with springs, and the engagement features on the tubes. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as a cohesive system, making the mechanism both secure and manufacturable.
3Loss of substance
If a modular eco-friendly design is used to minimize plastic, then the container is environmentally friendly, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into modular segments including the inner tube, outer tube, cap, base, and locking mechanism components. Each module can be manufactured separately using appropriate materials (metal, plastic, or eco-friendly alternatives) and then assembled. This segmentation enables selective use of materials to minimize plastic while maintaining structural integrity and security functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping tube structure serves multiple functions: it provides the container body, the locking mechanism, and the opening/closing action. The key simultaneously engages the locking tabs and provides the user interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying manufacturing despite the modular design.
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 container effectively secures electronic smoking articles, preventing tampering and child access while minimizing plastic usage through modular eco-friendly design, ensuring the articles are protected from damage and securely stored.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member secured on the base member and a rotatable key extending therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to lockable and unlockable containers for electronic smoking articles, the containers including at least two concentric tubes, a locking mechanism retained therein, and an organizer configured to hold the articles.