Lockable Lunch Bag Flap Assembly for Secure Temperature Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lunch bags lack secure closure mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to food items, particularly those that maintain temperature integrity.
Innovation Solution
A lunch bag with a flap that has a lockable engagement mechanism, allowing secure closure and opening controlled by a lock or electronic device, and optionally featuring a keypad or touch screen for code entry, ensuring only the owner can access the contents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lockable engagement mechanism is added to the lunch bag, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is nested within the engagement structure, where the lock integrates with the flap and engagement components rather than being a separate external system. The engagement member contains internal features that work with the lock, creating a compact nested arrangement that provides security without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement member acts as an intermediary between the flap and the lock, providing a mechanical interface that translates flap movement into lock engagement/disengagement. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system by distributing the functional requirements across multiple specialized parts rather than requiring a single complex mechanism
2Reliability
If an electronic lock with keypad or touch screen is integrated, then security is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic lock system is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides security locking, accepts various input methods (keypad or touch screen), and can integrate with the existing mechanical engagement structure. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating security features into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate mechanical and electronic systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent offers an electronic lock system that can replace or supplement traditional mechanical locking mechanisms. The electronic system uses electrical or electronic fields instead of purely mechanical interactions, providing enhanced security features while reducing the complexity of mechanical components through substitution with electronic controls
Data Source
AI summary
A lockable lunch bag assembly for securing food in a lunch bag includes a lunch bag for retaining food stored therein at a desired temperature. The lunch bag has a flap thereon for opening or closing the lunch bag. An engagement is coupled to the lunch bag and a lock is coupled to the flap. The lock releasably engages the engagement when the flap is closed and the lock is positioned in a locking condition thereby inhibiting the flap from being opened. Conversely, the lock disengages the engagement when the lock is positioned in an unlocking condition thereby facilitating the flap to be opened. A strap is coupled to the lunch bag for carrying the lunch bag.