Lockable Ball Display Case With Adjustable Pedestal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display cases for sports memorabilia, particularly autographed balls, face challenges in providing tamper-resistant and portable solutions that can be used at public shows without causing noise or occupying excessive space, while also ensuring the preservation of the item's condition and authenticity.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-resistant ball display case with a transparent cover and adjustable pedestal, secured by a bayonet connection and an irreversible lock, made from impact-resistant materials like Polycarbonate and Acrylic, which allows for secure and irreversible locking to prevent unauthorized access and tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tamper-resistant locking mechanism is implemented, then security against tampering is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into modular components: a lockable latch assembly with movable latch, locking member with cam surface, and actuator mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and reliability of the tamper-resistant system.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, dedicated mechanism rather than being integrated into the basic closure system. The locking member with cam surface and locking aperture provides a distinct tamper-resistant locking action that operates independently from the basic lid closure, enhancing security without compromising the simplicity of the overall case design.
2Ease of operation
If a transparent cover is used for viewing the ball, then display capability is improved, but protection against tampering is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent cover is merged with the locking mechanism through the lockable latch assembly. The transparent lid forms an integral part of the secured enclosure, where the same locking mechanism that secures the lid also prevents tampering. This merging allows viewing functionality and tamper resistance to coexist, as the transparent material does not compromise the mechanical security provided by the latch and locking member.
Solution Approach 2:
The case utilizes composite construction with transparent acrylic or polycarbonate materials for the lid and base, combined with metallic or rigid plastic locking components. This composite approach maintains optical transparency for viewing while incorporating sufficiently strong and secure locking elements to prevent tampering, resolving the contradiction between display capability and security.
3Reliability
If an irreversible lock is used to prevent non-destructive removal, then tamper resistance is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including a movable latch that can transition between locked and unlocked positions, and a cam surface that provides mechanical advantage for engaging and disengaging the lock. The actuator mechanism allows the user to easily initiate the unlocking sequence, while the cam surface ensures that once locked, the cover cannot be removed without destructive force, achieving both ease of operation and irreversible security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to perform preliminary securing action automatically when the lid is closed and the actuator is engaged. The cam surface pre-positions the locking member to engage with the locking aperture, and the movable latch automatically secures in the locked position, providing irreversible security before the user even attempts to remove the cover. This preliminary action ensures tamper resistance is established in advance, while the actuator remains easily operable for legitimate access.
Data Source
AI summary
A ball display case has base and a cover that is securable to the base. When the cover is secured to the base, the cover and base at least partially enclose a space for holding a ball. The case has a pedestal for supporting a ball in the enclosed space. The elevation of the pedestal relative to the base is optionally adjustable. An irreversible lock is adapted for selective application to at least one of the base and the cover such that the lock assumes a locking position that prevents non-destructive removal of the cover from the base. One suitable lock includes a plate having a plurality of recessed areas spaced radially about the plate and a plurality of posts extending away from the plate. Each post is in general radial alignment with one of the recessed areas of the plate and spaced radially inward from the recessed area.