Lockable receptacle holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lockable receptacle holders for hygiene products are cumbersome to refill and require complex locking mechanisms, making them time-consuming and prone to unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A lockable receptacle holder with a pivotally attached confining member and a resilient locking mechanism that allows easy removal and replacement of the receptacle using a specialized tool, providing secure and tamper-resistant operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is provided to prevent theft or tampering of hygiene products, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but the complexity of the device increases and the time required for refilling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking member with a locking portion, a confining member with a hook-shaped front portion, and a through hole for tool access. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking and confining functions are extracted as separate movable components (locking member and confining member) that can be independently actuated. The locking member can be moved to engage or disengage from the confining member, providing security without requiring a complex integrated mechanism.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple steps is used to secure the receptacle, then security is improved, but the time required for refilling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a simple tool insertion action. Inserting a tool through the through hole automatically triggers the locking member to move and engage with the confining member, eliminating the need for multiple manual steps or complex sequencing.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is preliminarily positioned to be movable along the longitudinal axis, ready to engage with the confining member. This preliminary positioning allows the locking action to occur automatically when the tool is inserted, reducing the refilling time while maintaining security.
3Ease of operation
If a confining member is pivotally attached to allow easy removal, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unauthorized removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member and confining member are merged in function through their interaction: the locking member engages with the hook-shaped front portion of the confining member to provide both the ease of removal (through pivotal movement) and the resistance to unauthorized removal (through the locking engagement).
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member acts as an intermediary between the tool insertion action and the confining member movement. It translates the linear motion from tool insertion into the pivotal movement of the confining member, providing controlled access that prevents unauthorized removal while allowing legitimate refilling.
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
Enables fast and secure refilling or replacement of hygiene products with reduced handling complexity and high resistance to unauthorized access, while maintaining structural integrity and being cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
the locking portion 61 is resilient so that it may be brought out of engagement with the trough hole 32 by application of a force F onto the locking portion 61
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle holder may include a holder base portion configured to support the bottom of a receptacle, a holder upper portion and an elongated holder back portion extending between the holder base portion and the holder upper portion. A confining member may be provided to pivot relative the holder upper portion between a closed position (A) for confining the neck and/or the shoulder of the receptacle, and a release position to allow removal of the receptacle from the receptacle holder. A locking member may be provided to prevent movement of the confining member. The locking member may be brought out of engagement with a trough hole by application of a force (F) onto a locking portion through the through hole thereby allowing the confining member to be pivoted relative the holder upper portion.