Lockable receptacle holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refillable hygiene product dispensers in hotel rooms are vulnerable to theft and tampering due to the ease of removing caps from existing dispenser holders, which lack effective security measures.
Innovation Solution
A lockable receptacle holder with a cap locking mechanism that includes a first and second cap locking section, integrated as a single piece, and a pivotally attached confining member with a locking mechanism, preventing unauthorized access while allowing easy mounting and removal of the receptacle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple holder structure is used, then manufacturing cost is low, but the holder is vulnerable to theft and tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into multiple functional components: a base portion, an upper portion with a confining member that can pivot between locked and unlocked positions, and a locking member with resilient locking portions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific security function while keeping the overall structure manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The confining member is designed to pivot dynamically between a locked position (where it confines the receptacle neck) and an unlocked position (where it allows removal). This dynamic capability provides security during use while enabling authorized access when needed, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent cap removal, then tampering resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the confining member itself rather than being a separate mechanism. The confining member integrates both the confinement function (holding the receptacle) and the locking function (preventing cap removal) into a single component, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is self-actuating through the pivot motion of the confining member. When the confining member pivots to the locked position, the locking portions automatically engage with the receptacle neck without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, thereby minimizing device complexity.
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then unauthorized access is prevented, but ease of operation for authorized personnel may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The confining member's ability to pivot between locked and unlocked positions provides dynamic access control. Authorized personnel can easily pivot the member to unlock and remove the receptacle, while the same mechanism maintains secure confinement during normal use, thus maintaining ease of operation while ensuring security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism replaces complex mechanical fastening systems (such as screws or multiple locking points) with a simpler pivot-based single-point confinement system. This substitution maintains strong security while significantly improving ease of operation, as users only need to pivot the confining member rather than manipulate multiple fasteners.
Data Source
AI summary
A lockable receptacle holder 10 comprising a holder base portion 20 configured to support the bottom 5 of a receptacle 1; a holder upper portion 30 and an elongated holder back portion 40 extending between the holder base portion 20 and the holder upper portion 30, wherein the holder base portion 20 and the holder upper portion 30 extend laterally from the holder back portion 40 and parallel to each other, and wherein; —the holder upper portion 30 comprises a closed space C configured to at least partially enclose and releasably confine the neck 2 or shoulder 3 of a receptacle placed on the holder base portion 20, and; —a cap locking member 80 for preventing removal of a cap 9 of a receptacle 1 in the receptacle holder 10.