Fluid Dispenser Lock Using Eddy-Current Remote Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking systems for fluid product dispensers are either easily disabled or difficult to access, posing risks of overdose and unauthorized use, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry where secure administration of potent substances is critical.
Innovation Solution
A locking system utilizing eddy currents and Lenz's law, where a movable induction element is rotated by a variable magnetic field generated by a separate unlocking device, ensuring both inaccessibility and security without mechanical vulnerabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnetic locking system is used, then the lock is inaccessible, but it is too easy to disable by attaching a permanent magnet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional magnetic locking system with an electromagnetic induction system. Instead of using permanent magnets that can be easily attached to disable the lock, the system uses an electromagnetic generator that requires rotational motion to generate the magnetic field needed for unlocking. This substitution of mechanical/electromagnetic principles eliminates the vulnerability to simple magnet attachment while maintaining inaccessibility and security.
2Reliability
If a mechanical locking system is used, then it is more difficult to disable, but it is too accessible and visible to break-in attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visible mechanical locking system with a concealed electromagnetic induction system. The electromagnetic generator and induction motor components are integrated into the dispenser structure, making the locking mechanism invisible and inaccessible. This eliminates the visibility to break-in attempts while maintaining resistance to disable through electromagnetic security.
3Reliability
If a separate unlocking device is used, then security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the electromagnetic generator to serve dual purposes: it acts as both the locking mechanism and the unlocking device. The same component that provides the secure lock also functions as the key by rotating to generate the magnetic field for unlocking. This integration reduces system complexity while maintaining enhanced security through the required physical interaction for activation.
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 system provides a tamper-proof mechanism that only authorized users can operate, preventing accidental or unauthorized access to the dispenser, thus ensuring safe and controlled administration of substances.
Implementation Method 1
The locking system comprises a movable induction element, and the unlocking device comprises means for generating a variable magnetic field that induces an electromotive force on the movable induction element
Implementation Method 2
Eddy currents are the electric currents created in a conductive mass, either by the variation over time of an external magnetic field passing through that medium (the flux of the field through the medium), or by a movement of that mass in a magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
When the change in flux is due to a movement of the medium in front of a constant magnetic field, eddy currents are responsible for the appearance of Laplace forces which oppose the movement, hence the braking effect observed on systems using this kind of device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5b
Figure 6a~7
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly comprising: - a fluid product dispenser (D) comprising a movable member (F) and a locking system (L) that is switchable between a locking position in which the movable member (F) is locked and a release position in which the movable member (F) is unlocked; - an unlocking device (K), separate from the fluid product dispenser (D), that is able to switch the locking system (L) between the locking position and the release position, said unlocking device (K) being an eddy-current-based contactless and remote unlocking device.