Drink Container Cap with Combination Lock to Prevent Tampering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers do not effectively protect beverages from tampering, as they can be accessed by removing the cap, which allows for potential drug-facilitated sexual assault by surreptitiously compromising the drink.
Innovation Solution
A locking drink container system featuring a cap assembly with a combination lock mechanism, where the cap can only be unscrewed by simultaneously pressing specific buttons, preventing unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional open-topped or closed-topped container is used, then the container is simple and easy to use, but the beverage can be accessed and tampered with by removing the cap
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent components: a cap assembly with multiple tabs, a container with corresponding recesses, and multiple buttons that control different tabs. This segmentation allows the system to provide enhanced security through multiple locking points while maintaining manufacturability by using standardized, modular components that can be produced independently and assembled systematically.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism performs preliminary action by automatically engaging the tabs with the recesses when the cap is placed on the container. The spring-loaded tabs are pre-positioned to engage with the container's recesses upon attachment, creating an initial locked state before any user interaction occurs. This preliminary engagement provides immediate protection without requiring additional user steps.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple buttons is implemented, then protection from tampering is enhanced, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates dynamic elements through spring-loaded tabs that can transition between engaged and disengaged states. The tabs are biased by springs to automatically engage with the container's recesses when the cap is attached, and can be dynamically disengaged by pressing the corresponding buttons. This dynamic behavior provides enhanced security while maintaining ease of operation, as the user only needs to press buttons to release pre-positioned tabs rather than manually manipulating complex locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism performs self-service through its automatic engagement system. When the cap is placed on the container, the spring-loaded tabs automatically engage with the recesses without requiring user intervention. The system self-locks upon attachment, eliminating the need for users to manually secure the cap and reducing the operational steps required while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If the cap is made securely locked with a combination mechanism, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent components: a cap assembly with multiple tabs, a container with corresponding recesses, and multiple buttons that control different tabs. This segmentation allows the system to provide enhanced security through multiple locking points while maintaining manufacturability by using standardized, modular components that can be produced independently and assembled systematically.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism performs self-service through its automatic engagement system. When the cap is placed on the container, the spring-loaded tabs automatically engage with the recesses without requiring user intervention. The system self-locks upon attachment, eliminating the need for users to manually secure the cap and reducing the operational steps required while maintaining security.
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 locking mechanism ensures that only the person knowing the correct button combination can access the beverage, effectively preventing tampering and enhancing safety at social gatherings.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-biased lock button translationally coupled to the lock tab and urging the lock tab towards its outward position when the spring-biased lock button is unpressed
Implementation Method 2
The lock tab is operative to engage one or more of the plurality of inward-facing teeth as the internally threaded cylinder is threadably engaged with the externally threaded cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a cap assembly and a container assembly. The cap assembly may be unscrewed from the container assembly by simultaneously pressing a predetermined combination of buttons available on the top of the cap assembly. If the predetermined combination of buttons is not precisely and exclusively selected, the cap assembly resists being unscrewed from the container assembly and a beverage inside remains inaccessible. A user of the apparatus who knows the correct combination of buttons will thereby be able to readily access the beverage in the container assembly, but one without that knowledge will not. Tampering is avoided.