Grease Container Screen Locking Mechanism for Theft Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-stationary collection containers for used cooking oil are susceptible to theft due to their outdoor storage and lack of effective security features that prevent unauthorized access and breach.
Innovation Solution
A collection container design featuring a removable screen with a lock receiver and splash guards, where the screen is secured by a locking device and positioned within an enclosure that includes a conveyance platform and backboard, preventing the insertion of tools and theft by blocking solid objects while allowing liquid content transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cover with an openable mouth is used to facilitate access and transfer of used oil, then ease of operation is improved, but security against theft and unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mouth assembly is segmented into multiple components: a cover, a screen with Splash guards, and a locking mechanism. The screen can be independently secured with locks to prevent unauthorized access, while the cover remains removable for authorized transfer operations. This segmentation allows different security levels for different access scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen is pre-installed within the mouth assembly and can be locked in place before any transfer operation. This preliminary securing action prevents unauthorized access during outdoor storage, while authorized personnel can subsequently unlock and remove the screen when transfer is needed, resolving the security-access contradiction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the collection container is stored outdoors to prevent indoor accumulation of noxious fumes and facilitate vehicle access, then harmful factors are reduced, but susceptibility to theft and breach increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking screen and Splash guards are installed as preliminary protective measures against theft and unauthorized breach before the container is placed outdoors. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the increased vulnerability that outdoor storage creates, allowing the container to be safely stored outside while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent theft, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented and integrated into the existing mouth assembly structure rather than adding a separate complex locking system to the entire container. The locks are mounted on the screen which is already part of the mouth assembly, distributing the security function across existing components and minimizing overall complexity increase.
4Reliability
If a screen is installed to prevent tool insertion and siphoning, then security is improved, but ease of operation for authorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed - it can be locked in place to prevent tool insertion and siphoning, but can also be unlocked and removed when authorized transfer is needed. This dynamic capability allows the same component to provide both security and operational access, resolving the contradiction between prevention and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a collection container having a cover affixed to the top of the collection container. A mouth opens through the cover permitting access to the interior of the collection container. A lidded enclosure surrounds the mouth, and a screen may be secured within the lidded enclosure to selectively permit access through the mouth while preventing theft of the contents of the collection container.