NFC-Unlocked Nicotine Can Locking With Shape Memory Alloy

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for effective age-gating mechanisms to prevent youth access to oral nicotine products while maintaining easy access for adult consumers, as existing methods are inadequate for securing packaging of oral nicotine dosage forms.

Innovation Solution

Devices and systems with locking mechanisms, including shape memory components, are provided to secure oral nicotine cans, allowing authorized consumers to unlock them at the point-of-sale using energy from NFC or RFID readers, and optionally relock for shared access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to secure oral nicotine cans, then youth access is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveyouth access preventionVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking systems with a shape memory alloy-based locking mechanism that responds to thermal or electrical stimuli. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining security functionality, as the shape memory component can transition between locked and unlocked states through material property changes rather than complex mechanical actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism utilizes changes in material parameters (temperature, electrical state) to control the locked/unlocked state. The shape memory alloy changes its physical properties in response to external stimuli, enabling the can to transition between secure and accessible states without requiring complex mechanical control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If age verification is required at point-of-sale, then youth access is blocked, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveage verification effectivenessVSAvoidcan opening convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the consumer to perform their own age verification using a personal mobile device with NFC capability. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual verification by store staff or complex verification systems, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring age verification occurs. The consumer simply taps their device against the can to unlock it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The NFC tag and shape memory component act as intermediaries between the consumer's verification method and the locking mechanism. The NFC tag receives the verification signal from the consumer's device and triggers the shape memory component to change state, providing a seamless bridge that maintains both security and convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If NFC/RFID technology is integrated into the can, then authorized access is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthorized access capabilityVSAvoidcan manufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the NFC tag and shape memory component into a single integrated system within the can structure. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the authorized access capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The NFC tag serves multiple functions: it stores verification data, communicates with the consumer's device, and triggers the unlocking mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining versatile access control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution effectively prevents unauthorized youth access while ensuring convenient access for adults, supporting smoking cessation efforts by maintaining accessibility for adult consumers.

Implementation Method 1

the disclosed locking mechanisms may contain a shape memory component which changes state when energy is applied to it. This state change may allow the locking mechanism to convert from a locked to an unlocked state.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

The necessary state change in the shape memory component may be powered by energy provided by an external device, such as a near-field communication (NFC) reader

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear-field communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250389138A1Apparatus and method for age-gating oral nicotine cans

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 SKYX IP HOLDINGS I LLC

AI summary

A can, system, and method for storing oral nicotine dosage forms and age-gating or otherwise controlling access to such dosage forms, the can including a locking mechanism, a shape memory component, a radiofrequency component, and a shape memory component actuator. The shape memory component includes a second shape which maintains the lid of the can in a locked state and first shape which allows for removal of the lid or other unlocking of the can. The radiofrequency component is connected to the actuator that controls the shape memory component, allowing for unlocking of the can based on a signal received by the radiofrequency component.