Puzzle Storage Box Centrifugal Ball Bearing Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a puzzle storage box that combines a secure internal locking mechanism with versatility in form and functionality, capable of challenging ingenuity while being suitable for various shapes and sizes, and offering additional features like water-proof and antimicrobial properties.
Innovation Solution
A puzzle storage box design incorporating a novel internal locking mechanism using ball bearings that require centrifugal force to unlock, combined with components such as a lid, plate, cup, and base, and constructed from resilient and antimicrobial materials, allowing for various shapes and forms, including shallow and deeper containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a puzzle storage box combines secure internal locking mechanism with versatility in form and functionality, then security and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a base component with bearing channels, a cup component with a tab, a plate component, and a lid component. Each component has a specific function, and they work together through the ball bearing mechanism to achieve secure locking while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be adaptable to various container shapes, sizes, and configurations. The same basic mechanism can be applied to different forms including shallow containers for everyday carry and deeper containers for increased volume, providing universal applicability across multiple use cases.
2Reliability
If the ball bearings are radially forced to the limits of their channels, then the locking mechanism engages, but the manipulation of additional components is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism inverts the traditional locking approach: instead of forcing components together to lock, the ball bearings are allowed to move freely in their channels during normal operation. Locking is achieved by inverting or tilting the assembly, which causes the ball bearings to radially force to the limits of their channels and block the cup tab, thereby preventing manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static blocked state to a dynamic unlocked state through physical manipulation. The ball bearings can move along their channels when the assembly is inverted or tilted, allowing the cup tab to move freely and enable component manipulation, thus providing dynamic control over the locking state.
3Strength
If the puzzle storage box is constructed from resilient and antimicrobial materials, then durability and hygiene are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is constructed using composite materials that combine resilient properties (such as rubber or elastomer) with antimicrobial treatments or coatings. This allows the single component to provide both mechanical durability for repeated manipulation and antimicrobial protection, eliminating the need for separate resilient and antimicrobial components.
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 provides a secure and challenging puzzle storage box that can be easily manufactured, reused, and maintains antimicrobial properties, offering a versatile and secure storage solution for valuables while being aesthetically flexible.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of ball-bearings is radially forced to the limits of their respective channels
Data Source
AI summary
The puzzle storage box disclosed herein may comprise an internal locking mechanism designed to challenge ingenuity while being embedded within an assembly of unlimited form potentiality. In one variation, the internal locking mechanism is embedded in a shallow container and may be used for more personal, everyday carry. In another variation, the internal locking mechanism is embedded in a deeper container for increased volume and prominent display. The internal locking mechanism will be incorporated into endless shapes and forms, and its novel method of operation will be respectively conveyed.