Pressure-Responsive Secure Container Closure for Tool-Free Opening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secure containers require sharp instruments to open, leading to destruction of the container and creation of sharp edges, making them unsuitable for post-purchase storage.
Innovation Solution
A secure container design featuring a pliant, shape-change conduit within the closure that expands when pressurized, allowing easy opening without edged tools and maintaining smooth edges, enabling reuse as a storage box.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional clam-type secure containers are used with hard plastic shells, then security and protection are improved, but ease of opening deteriorates requiring sharp instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented into a capture mechanism (lugs and grooves) that can be independently activated by pressure applied to specific portions of the container, allowing selective opening without compromising overall security structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the container by applying pressure to deform the hard plastic shell locally, creating enough force to disrupt the closure capture and open the container without requiring cutting tools
2Ease of operation
If hard plastic shells are cut with edged tools to open, then opening is achieved, but container integrity deteriorates creating sharp edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cutting action with pressure-induced deformation, substituting the edged tool mechanism with a pressure application system that opens the container through controlled stress rather than separation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the inherent strength and rigidity of hard plastic shells, which normally makes them difficult to open, into an advantage where controlled pressure application can selectively deform and open the closure without compromising the overall container structure or creating harmful sharp edges
3Ease of operation
If conventional secure containers are opened with cutting tools, then access is gained, but container reusability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a preliminary pressure-responsive mechanism within the container structure that prepares the closure for opening by concentrating stress at specific points, allowing the container to be opened without forceful cutting that would damage the structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables recovery of the container after opening by using a mechanism that disrupts only the closure capture rather than destroying the container structure, allowing the container to be closed and reused for storage
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 container can be opened with modest user force using a hand-operated bulb, avoiding damage and secondary edges, thus remaining pristine for storage and reuse.
Implementation Method 1
A capture release device is pressure responsive for releasing the closure capture from the secured condition into the released condition when pressurized
Implementation Method 2
A pliant, shape-change conduit is provided within the container proximate the shell closure. The closure is disrupted by the shape-change within the conduit
Implementation Method 3
The release device permits the closure capture to be secured from the released condition into the secured condition when depressurized
Data Source
AI summary
Secure product container 10 has opposed closure shells 10P and 10A forming product chamber 10C. The shells may be separated into an open accessible state (see FIG. 1A), in which the closure shells are uncaptured and product 10G is accessible. The closure shells may be placed together in a closed state along closure interface 12C (see FIG. 1B), in which the closure shells are captured to enclose the product. A closure capture between the closure shells holds the shells in the closed state. Closure capture 26 has a secured condition (see FIG. 2B) in which the closure shells are captured together in the closed state, and a released condition (see FIG. 2A) in which the closure shells may be uncaptured in the accessible state. Capture release device 12 on active shell 10A is pressure responsive for releasing the closure capture from the secured condition into the released condition when pressurized. When depressurized, the release device permits the closure capture to be secure from the released condition into the secured condition. Pressure system 14 (shown in FIG. 1A) is in fluid communication with the release device for pressurizing the release device to release the closure capture and uncapture the closure shells. The pressure system also depressurizes the release device to permit securing the closure capture and capturing the closure shells.