Lockable Transparent Secure Container for Retail Packages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard retail containers for alcoholic beverages and other consumer products lack security against unauthorized access, particularly after being opened, while still requiring storage, portability, display, and marketing functions.
Innovation Solution
A transparent, portable secure container made of lightweight, durable materials with a hinge and lock mechanism that conforms to standard retail package dimensions, allowing access when open and restricting access when closed, while maintaining visibility and portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard retail containers are used for alcoholic beverages, then portability and display functions are maintained, but security against unauthorized access is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a secure container that fits over the existing standard retail package, creating a nested structure where the inner package maintains its original design for portability and display, while the outer secure container provides security through a lockable door mechanism. This nesting approach allows both functions to coexist without requiring complete redesign of either component.
Solution Approach 2:
The secure container is divided into separate functional components: a base container body, a door assembly with hinge, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the security function to be added as a modular overlay on top of the standard retail package, rather than integrating security into the entire container structure, thus minimizing overall complexity.
2Reliability
If a secure container with lock mechanism is added, then access restriction is improved, but portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The secure container utilizes thin-walled construction with panel thickness specified at 0.125 to 0.250 inches, creating a lightweight barrier that provides sufficient security through its lockable door mechanism rather than relying on heavy material thickness. This thin-shell approach maintains portability while achieving access restriction through intelligent design of the locking system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If transparent material is used for panels, then display function is maintained, but security appearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The secure container employs transparent panels for the main container body to maintain display visibility, while concentrating the security function in the door assembly which includes opaque locking components and a door that can be positioned to obscure viewing. This local differentiation allows transparency where display is needed while providing opacity where security perception is prioritized.
Data Source
AI summary
A transparent, portable secure container is configured to accommodate a standard retail package for a consumer product not legally purchased by minors. The container comprises a plurality of panels, a hinge and a lock. Some of the panels are joined to form the container, such that the container conforms to outside dimensions of the standard retail package. One of the panels is coupled to the container via the hinge to form a door. The lock secures the container by locking the door in a closed position. The panels are formed of a lightweight, durable structural material, such that the container is portable. At least one of the panels is transparent, such that the container provides an interior view when the door is in the closed position.