Magnetic Latching Mechanism for Tamper-Resistant TLD Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) cards are cumbersome to open, requiring significant time and effort, and lack effective tamper-resistance mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The development of tamper-resistant containers with magnetically-operated latching assemblies, featuring a pin member and biasing mechanism that can be unlatched using a magnetic field, allowing for secure closure and easy access with a specialized tool assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical clasps are used for container closure, then tamper-resistance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates (cumbersome to open, requiring significant time and effort)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical clasp system with a magnetic latching mechanism. The container uses a magnetically-actuated pin member that engages with a recess in the cover, eliminating the need for manual levering or prying actions. A magnetic tool assembly can easily actuate the pin member to release the latch, providing both tamper-resistance and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the user and the latching mechanism. Instead of directly manipulating mechanical components, the user employs a magnetic tool that interacts with the magnetically-actuated pin member through magnetic attraction, enabling easy release of the secure closure without direct mechanical force application.
2Reliability
If specialized tools are used to open the container, then tamper-resistance is improved, but device complexity increases (cumbersome tools required)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical opening tools with a simplified magnetic tool assembly. The tool contains a magnet that interacts with the magnetically-actuated pin member, eliminating the need for levering, prying, or other complex mechanical actions. The tool design is simplified to primarily house the magnet and guide its engagement with the container.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic latching mechanism is implemented, then ease of operation is improved (easy and efficient opening), but device complexity increases (magnetic components required)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the latching function into distinct magnetic components: a magnetically-actuated pin member within the container body and a corresponding magnetic tool assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the pin member integrates into the container structure while the tool provides the actuating magnetic field, simplifying the overall system despite the magnetic technology used.
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
The magnetic latching mechanism enhances security by preventing unauthorized access while allowing easy and efficient opening and retrieval of TLD cards, reducing the risk of damage and ergonomic complications.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet positioned so as to align with the pin member of the container when the container is received in the slot. The magnet is configured to attract the pin member toward the magnet to compress the biasing member and unlatch the cover from the container portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A container has a container portion defining a cavity configured to receive a pin, and a pin disposed in the cavity. The pin is movable within the cavity between a first position and a second position. A spring is disposed in the cavity and configured to bias the pin toward the first position. The container includes a cover movable between an open position and a closed position, the cover having a recess configured to receive the pin. The cover further includes an angled surface configured to contact and move the pin toward the second position to compress the spring as the cover is closed. The recess of the cover is configured to align with the cavity of the container portion when the cover is closed such that the spring moves the pin to the first position and the pin is received in the recess to lock the cover in closed.