Interlocking Scanner Containers Prevent Item Displacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional trays used in scanner systems often displace and damage items, especially small ones, due to radiation curtains, and lack adaptability for varying item sizes, leading to inefficiencies and potential loss of items during transit.

Innovation Solution

The development of interlocking containers with positive and negative features that allow one container to be inverted and securely locked over another, forming a closed container to prevent displacement by radiation curtains and provide secure transit through scanners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional trays are used in scanner systems, then items can be transited through scanners, but radiation curtains displace and damage items especially small ones

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveitem security during transitVSAvoiddisplacement by radiation curtains

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies nesting by placing one container inside another container of different orientation. The inner container is inverted and nested within the outer container, creating a nested structure that secures items against displacement by radiation curtains during scanner transit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the container system into multiple independent containers with interlocking features. Each container has positive and negative interlocking features that engage with corresponding features on the other container, creating modular units that can be securely assembled to protect items

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional trays are used, then transit through scanners is possible, but adaptability for varying item sizes is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability for varying item sizesVSAvoidtransit efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing containers with standardized interlocking features that can accommodate various item sizes and configurations. The same container design with positive and negative interlocking features can be used for different items, making the system versatile and adaptable while maintaining efficient transit through scanners

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If containers are made secure against displacement, then item protection improves, but container complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer securityVSAvoidinterlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interlocking mechanism is segmented into simple positive features (protrusions) and negative features (recesses) that engage with each other. This segmentation creates a secure connection through multiple discrete engagement points rather than a single complex mechanism, improving reliability while keeping individual features simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240400260A1Protecting items transiting a scanner

Publication Date: 2024.12.05 IDSS HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

Scanners, and scanner systems, are used in various situations, often for security purposes or for detection of contraband. A scanner generally uses a conveyor system to transit articles through the scanner. The scanner may have radiation curtains at the ingress and the egress of the scanner to block x-rays or radiation generated within the scanner. The present technology provides for an open container with an interlock that allows for one open container to be inverted and placed securely over another open container to form a closed container.