Haptic Snap-Fastener Container for Intuitive Secure Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closures are difficult for authorized users to open intuitively while preventing unauthorized access, especially for visually impaired or acoustically impaired individuals, and lack effective safety features to prevent accidental opening.
Innovation Solution
A container with a snap fastener comprising a ring element and snap element, featuring a haptic mechanism with a haptic element at the gap, allowing intuitive opening guidance through tactile feedback, and optionally including a surmountable end stop to prevent accidental opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a snap fastener is used to secure the container, then the container is protected from unauthorized opening, but it becomes difficult for authorized users to open intuitively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs haptic feedback through a haptic element that interacts with the snap fastener mechanism. When the cover is rotated to the correct opening position, the haptic element generates tactile feedback (clicking or snapping sensation) that intuitively signals to the user that the container is ready to be opened. This feedback mechanism guides authorized users through the opening process without compromising the security against unauthorized opening.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a haptic mechanism is added to indicate opening position, then accessibility for visually impaired users is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the haptic indication function with the existing snap fastener structure. The haptic element is integrated into the closure mechanism itself, utilizing the rotational movement and positioning already required for opening the container. This combination approach provides accessibility features without adding separate, complex mechanisms, as the haptic feedback is generated through the interaction of existing structural elements during the opening process.
3Ease of operation
If a gap is provided in the ring element for release, then the snap fastener can be opened, but the container may be accidentally opened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design in the interaction between the haptic element and the snap fastener components. The haptic element is positioned and shaped to engage with specific features of the ring element and snap element in a non-symmetric manner. This asymmetric configuration ensures that the haptic feedback is only generated at the correct opening position, preventing accidental opening while maintaining easy intentional release. The asymmetric geometry creates a unique tactile signature that guides the user to the proper orientation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A container comprising a body portion and a cover with a snap fastener for the body portion and the cover. The snap fastener comprises a ring element comprising a gap and a snap element interacting with the ring element. The container further comprises a haptic mechanism indicating a release condition of the snap fastener where the cover is detachable from the body portion. The haptic mechanism comprises a haptic element arranged at the gap and arranged above or below the snap element, when the snap fastener is in the snapped condition where the cover is undetachable from the body portion. The snap fastener comprises a ring element comprising a gap and a snap element interacting with the ring element. The container further comprises a haptic mechanism indicating when the snap fastener is in a release condition.