Lockable Drinking Container with Movable Locking Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for food and liquids do not effectively prevent others from accessing the contents, particularly in crowded environments where germ transmission is a concern.
Innovation Solution
The development of lockable containers with a receptacle and a removably attached cover, featuring a locking element that can be moved between locking and unlocked positions to secure the drinking or eating opening, using mechanical or electro-mechanical mechanisms such as combination locks, fingerprint scanners, or Bluetooth-connected devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking element is added to secure the cover, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is integrated into the cover assembly, merging the locking function with the existing cover structure. The cover includes a locking opening and the locking element is positioned to engage with the receptacle, combining security functionality with the encapsulation function of the cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to be movable between locked and unlocked positions by the user without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms. The spring biasing element provides automatic engagement, and the user simply needs to move the locking element to change states, making the system self-sufficient.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a locking element is added to prevent access, then germ transmission prevention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element can be completely removed from the receptacle by moving it to the unlocked position and extracting it through the locking opening. This allows the user to easily access the contents by simply removing the locking element, which can then be reinserted and locked when security is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to be movable between different positions (locked, unlocked, and removable) rather than being fixed. The spring biasing element provides dynamic engagement, allowing the locking element to automatically return to the locked position when released, while still permitting easy user manipulation.
3Reliability
If the locking element extends through the cover, then engagement security is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking opening in the cover is positioned and sized specifically to receive and guide the locking element, providing localized precision where needed. The spring biasing element is positioned to engage with a specific portion of the locking element, ensuring reliable engagement without requiring high precision throughout the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring biasing element provides a cushioning force that guides the locking element into proper engagement with the receptacle. This spring mechanism compensates for minor manufacturing variations and ensures reliable engagement even with moderate manufacturing tolerances, preventing binding or misalignment issues.
Data Source
AI summary
A drinking device that includes a receptacle for holding a liquid, a cover removably attached to the receptacle to encapsulate the liquid within the receptacle, and a locking element. The cover has a drinking opening that allows a user to access the liquid within the receptacle. The locking element is attached to one of the cover or receptacle, and configured to engage the other of the cover or receptacle. The locking element is movable between one or more locking positions for securing the cover to the receptacle, where a first locking position of the locking element secures the cover to the receptacle and prevents a user from accessing liquid through the drinking opening.