Keyless Battery-Powered Cap Cover With Dual Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing battery powered locking container cap requires Department of Transportation certification, which is expensive and time-consuming, limiting its marketability.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigured rechargeable battery powered keyless locking hinged container cap cover that encapsulates an existing container cap, with improved safety features, thermal insulation, water-tight seal, relocated electronics, additional locking mechanisms, and a pin-coded unlocking system, eliminating the need for Department of Transportation certification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the battery powered locking container cap is designed with locking functionality, then security is improved, but Department of Transportation certification is required which increases cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking mechanism from the container cap itself and relocates it to a separate hinged cover that attaches to the container. This separation allows the cover to be certified independently without requiring DOT certification for the entire container assembly, thereby reducing certification time and cost while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is divided into separate functional components: the hinged cover with locking mechanism, the container cap, and the mounting assembly. This segmentation enables the cover to be designed and certified as a separate accessory rather than requiring certification of the entire container system, resolving the time and cost barrier.
2Reliability
If the battery powered locking container cap is designed with locking functionality, then security is improved, but Department of Transportation certification increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is extracted from the container cap and placed in a separate hinged cover assembly. This allows the cover to be manufactured as a standalone component with standard manufacturing processes, avoiding the need for expensive DOT-certified container manufacturing while still providing secure locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged cover is designed as an affordable, replaceable accessory that can be mass-produced using standard manufacturing techniques. This approach replaces the need for expensive, certified container manufacturing, significantly reducing production costs while maintaining the security function through the locking mechanism.
3Temperature
If the battery is relocated within the lid, then thermal insulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is nested within the lid structure, with the lid serving as a protective housing for the battery. This nesting arrangement provides thermal insulation for the battery while integrating it into the existing container cover design, avoiding the need for separate battery mounting structures and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid and battery housing are merged into a single integrated structure. The lid serves dual purposes: protecting the container opening and housing the battery with thermal insulation. This merging eliminates the need for separate battery compartments and mounting structures, simplifying the overall device while providing thermal protection.
4Reliability
If additional lock latching method is incorporated, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system uses dynamic spring-loaded latching mechanisms that automatically engage and disengage based on the hinge position. The spring-loaded pins and recesses provide automatic locking when the cover is closed and automatic unlocking when opened, eliminating the need for complex multi-step locking procedures while maintaining high security through multiple latching points.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-latching through spring-loaded pins that automatically engage with recesses in the hinge structure. The system self-locks when closed and self-unlocks when opened, eliminating the need for additional manual locking steps or complex control systems while providing secure multi-point latching through the spring mechanism.
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 improved design is safer, cost-effective, and superior in functionality, providing enhanced security and ease of use without the need for certification, making it more marketable.
Implementation Method 1
rechargeable battery powered keyless locking hinged container cap cover
Implementation Method 2
the battery or batteries are thermally insulated and protected by fire rated Styrofoam panels or the equivalent
Implementation Method 3
an o ring within a channel around the lid allows for a water tight seal
Implementation Method 4
a flat metal latching spring latches the hinged right element to the hinged left element
Implementation Method 5
opposing magnets serve as a spring to open and separate the hinged left and hinged right elements when unlocked
Data Source
AI summary
A keyless battery powered locking container cap cover comprising hinged left and right elements configured with a lid and bottom shelfs remaining unlocked after being closed and latched around a container cap then freely rotating around said cap where power is turned off saving energy while further configured with a dual locking mechanism comprising a flat metal latching spring positioned in front of a hidden locking switch where depressing an unlatching button instantly activates a motorized offset cam to drive a secondary pin loaded locking spring into a locked position whereby the hinged left and hinged right elements will be pinned together locking the invention where activating a remote transmitter that sends a bypass signal to a lock switch on the invention before depressing the latch release button prevents the locking function; if not the secondary pin loaded locking spring will instantly lock the invention; no DOT approval.