Programmable Container Spacer with Anti-Removal Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for containers that can indicate the time of filling, opening, or expiration of contents, particularly for time-sensitive substances like fertilizers, medicines, and beverages, to prevent unauthorized access and ensure consumption within a specific timeframe.
Innovation Solution
A programmable container design featuring a base, lid, and spacer with time indicia that can be aligned and locked, preventing the lid from being opened by a targeted group of users, thereby inhibiting unauthorized access and ensuring the contents are used within a specified timeframe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a programmable time indicator is integrated into the container, then the ability to track time of filling, opening, or expiration is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The time indicator is segmented into discrete time intervals marked on the spacer, allowing the continuous time measurement function to be divided into manageable discrete units that are easier to implement and read
2Reliability
If a locking device is added to prevent unauthorized opening, then the security against targeted users is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer acts as an intermediary element between the lid and base, providing a mechanical locking mechanism that prevents direct opening while still allowing authorized access through the time-indicated rotation method
3Measurement precision
If the spacer is designed to rotate and lock onto the base, then the time tracking functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The time tracking function is merged with the lid sealing function by integrating the time indicator directly into the spacer that also serves as the lid retainer, eliminating the need for separate time tracking devices
Data Source
AI summary
A time programmable container for timing an object, includes a base for containing the object, a lid for sealing the base, and a spacer which is positioned intermediate the lid and the base. The spacer is positionable in a select one of a plurality of positions on the base. The spacer and the base contain time indicia such that each of the plurality of positions that the spacer can be placed upon the base corresponds to a different of time indication. The base includes a device to secure the spacer in the select one position to inhibit the movement or rotation of the spacer with respect to the base. The securing device includes a finger on the base that cooperates with or mates with a corresponding depression of the spacer. The cap removal inhibiting device includes a cavity on the bottom surface of a lip of the lid, with the lip circumventing the cap, and further includes a tab on the upper surface of the spacer with the tab positioned on the spacer and configured to mate with the cavity of the lid, such that when the spacer is placed upon the base and the lid is threaded onto the base, the tab of the spacer extends into the cavity of the lid, thereby securing the spacer onto the base and further preventing the removal of the lid from the base without first removing the tab from the cavity.