Passive Security Container with Rupture Initiation Zone

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security devices for protecting sensitive assets rely on active detection elements that require a power source, limiting their functionality when the main power is off and reducing their reliability in detecting intrusions.

Innovation Solution

A passive security device with a container and cover that includes a rupture initiation zone of lower resistance, visible damage upon attempted opening, and a fixing unit with irreversible locking mechanisms, allowing for intrusion detection without power sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If active detection sensors and storage units are used for opening detection, then detection capability is improved, but power consumption increases and reliability decreases when powered off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintrusion detection reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power source from the detection system by using a passive mechanical break initiation zone instead of active electronic sensors. The break initiation zone is a purely mechanical structure that detects intrusion through physical breakage rather than electronic sensing, eliminating the need for power consumption while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electronic detection system with a mechanical detection mechanism. The break initiation zone uses mechanical properties (lower resistance zone) to detect intrusion through physical breakage, substituting electronic sensors and power-dependent systems with a passive mechanical structure that provides reliable detection without power consumption.

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

2Duration of action of stationary object

If backup power supply is integrated for continuous detection functionality, then detection availability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection functionality durationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the backup power supply component entirely from the system. Instead of adding a battery or secondary power source to maintain electronic sensor functionality, the invention uses a passive mechanical break initiation zone that requires no power source, thereby eliminating the complexity and cost associated with backup power systems while maintaining continuous detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The break initiation zone is a self-service structure that inherently provides detection functionality without requiring external power sources or additional components. The mechanical structure itself serves the detection function through its designed lower resistance zone that breaks under intrusion force, eliminating the need for backup power supplies or complex power management systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If the lid is made entirely of high-strength material for security, then structural strength is improved, but intrusion detection visibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid strengthVSAvoidintrusion damage visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a specific break initiation zone with lower resistance within the lid structure. This localized weaker zone is strategically positioned to break first under intrusion force, providing visible damage indication. The rest of the lid maintains high-strength material for overall structural integrity, while the local break zone provides detection visibility without compromising overall security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4147992B1Integrity protection system for sensitive assets
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 THALES SA
  • EP4147992B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4147992B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4147992B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device (10) for the protection of sensitive goods, the device (10) comprising: a. a container (13) having an opening (14) for receiving sensitive goods, b. a lid (16) for closing the opening (14), c. a fastening unit adapted to irreversibly fix the lid (16) on the container (13) in a position of closing the opening (14), the lid (16) comprising at least one area, called the break initiation zone, of lower resistance than the other areas of the lid (16), the break initiation zone being adapted to be damaged before the fastening unit following an attempt to open (14) the lid (16) irreversibly fixed on the container (13).