Container Closure Snap Fastener with Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closures are not suitable for consumer products as they are difficult for authorized users to open while preventing unauthorized access, and there is a need for a secure closure that is easy and intuitive for authorized users.
Innovation Solution
A container with a snap fastener system that includes a ring element with a gap and a snap element, along with a haptic mechanism providing tactile feedback to indicate the release position, ensuring the cover can only be opened when specifically aligned, thus preventing accidental opening and being accessible for visually impaired users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a snap fastener with ring element and snap element is used, then the container is securely closed and resistant to unauthorized opening, but the container cannot be opened unless specifically aligned at the gap position
Solution Approach 1:
The ring element is segmented with a gap that interrupts its continuity. This segmentation creates a specific alignment requirement where the snap element must be positioned at the gap to allow opening, while maintaining secure closure at all other positions. The gap acts as a controlled weakness that enables authorized opening while preserving overall security.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap fastener system employs asymmetric geometry between the snap element and the ring element with gap. The snap element has a specific shape that only fits through the gap in one orientation, creating an asymmetric locking mechanism. This asymmetry ensures that only the correct alignment (authorized opening) allows the snap element to pass through the gap, while all other orientations maintain secure closure.
2Ease of operation
If a haptic mechanism is added to indicate release position, then visually impaired users can locate the gap position, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic mechanism utilizes the existing rotational movement of the cover and body portion to generate tactile feedback automatically. As the user rotates the container, the haptic mechanism self-activates through the mechanical interaction between the snap element and ring element, providing tactile signals without requiring external power sources, controls, or complex electronic systems. The mechanism serves itself by converting the necessary opening motion into informative haptic feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic mechanism is merged with the existing snap fastener structure rather than being a separate independent system. The tactile feedback is generated through the same mechanical components (snap element, ring element, and their interaction during rotation) that perform the primary closing and opening functions. This integration combines the security function and the guidance function into a unified mechanism, avoiding additional complexity.
3Reliability
If the snap element interacts with the ring element at a specific gap position, then accidental opening is prevented, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The snap fastener system employs dynamic interaction between the snap element and ring element during rotation. The gap position is not a fixed static constraint but a dynamic target that the snap element must reach during the opening motion. This dynamic approach allows for some manufacturing tolerances because the system relies on the relative movement and interaction forces during rotation rather than requiring perfect static alignment, making the manufacturing process more forgiving while still preventing accidental opening.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method (200) and an apparatus (300) for ascertaining a rotational position of a cover (11) of a container (1) relative to a body portion (10) of the container (1), in particular a container comprising a secured closure. The method comprises: a) rotating the cover (11) relative to the body portion (10) by means of a rotating device (310) while directly or indirectly determining a torque until a torque associated with a predetermined rotational position is determined, and b) thereafter rotating the cover by means of the rotating device (310) a selectable rotation angle (β) relative to the body portion (10). The apparatus comprises a rotating device (310) and a torque measurement device (320).