Sample Container Opening Machine with Torque Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing opening machine devices for sample containers lack high security and precision in automatically verifying the integrity and authenticity of containers before opening, leading to potential fraud and inefficiencies in the testing process.

Innovation Solution

An opening machine device equipped with a verification unit that includes a torque sensor, load sensor, and optical sensor to check mechanical and optical verification properties of the container, ensuring that the container is authentic and intact before automatically opening it, using a computing unit to compare measured torque with predefined values and only opening the container if both match.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual testing procedures are used to verify container integrity, then personnel can perform checks, but the process lacks high precision, high speed, and automation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of verification processVSAvoidprecision of integrity verification
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical verification with an automated load sensor unit that applies controlled torque and measures the mechanical response of the container-closure system. The torque sensor and transmission unit automatically detect and transmit mechanical verification properties to the computing unit, eliminating manual testing while achieving high precision through electronic measurement and continuous torque comparison.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multiple verification checks are performed to ensure security, then safety increases, but the process time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of opening processVSAvoidtime for verification process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs verification actions in advance by automatically checking multiple properties (optical identification, electronic data, mechanical torque characteristics) before the opening process begins. The computing unit continuously compares measured torque with predefined torque during the opening process, ensuring security requirements are met before releasing the opening unit, thus maintaining high reliability without significant time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The opening machine device integrates multiple verification functions into a single automated system: optical sensor unit for visual verification, readout unit for electronic identification, and load sensor unit for mechanical verification. This multi-functional integration allows comprehensive security checks to be performed simultaneously or sequentially without requiring separate manual processes, reducing overall time while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If manual opening procedures are used, then flexibility is maintained, but speed and consistency of the opening process decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of opening processVSAvoidease of use
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The opening machine device performs self-verification by automatically checking container properties and making decisions about opening based on predefined criteria. The computing unit autonomously compares measured torque with predefined torque and controls the opening unit accordingly, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining consistent, high-speed operation. The system serves itself by integrating verification and opening functions in one automated process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution enhances security and precision by ensuring only authentic containers are opened, reducing the need for manual checks and increasing the speed and reliability of the testing process while preventing unauthorized access or tampering.

Implementation Method 1

the load sensor unit has a torque sensor and the mechanical verification property of the sample container defines the torque required for a rotation of the closure unit relative to the receiving unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Data Source

PatentEP3574842B1Opening machine device and sample container for use with the opening machine device
Publication Date: 2022.12.21 LOCKCON AG
  • EP3574842B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3574842B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3574842B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an opening machine device (12) with at least one opening unit (14) for automatically opening at least one sample container (16; 16a). It is proposed that the opening machine device (12) has at least one verification unit (18) which is designed to automatically check at least one verification property of the sample container (16; 16a).