Secure Drinking Valve Assembly With Fingerprint Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drinking devices lack effective mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to beverages, allowing anyone to consume the contents.

Innovation Solution

A secure drinking assembly comprising a container with a valve and security lock that can be actuated by a security code, utilizing a motor, processor, and fingerprint scanner to control the opening and closing of the container, ensuring only authorized users can access the beverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional open container is used, then ease of operation is improved, but beverage security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidbeverage security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces simple mechanical opening mechanisms with an electronic security system comprising a fingerprint scanner, processor, and motor-driven valve assembly. The fingerprint scanner detects biometric data, the processor validates security codes, and the motor actuates the valve, substituting manual mechanical operation with automated electronic control to prevent unauthorized access while maintaining user convenience.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a security lock mechanism as an intermediary between the user and the beverage container. This lock system, comprising a fingerprint scanner, processor, and motor-driven valve, acts as a mediator that verifies authorization before allowing access to the beverage, thereby maintaining both security and ease of legitimate operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a security lock mechanism is added, then beverage security is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeverage securityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated security lock assembly. The fingerprint scanner, processor, motor, and valve mechanism are combined into one unified system that controls access to the beverage container. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining comprehensive security functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The security lock mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a fingerprint scanner for identification, a processor for code validation, a motor for actuation, and a valve for controlling beverage flow. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby decreasing device complexity while enhancing beverage security.

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

3Ease of operation

If manual access is allowed, then ease of operation is improved, but unauthorized consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidunauthorized consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical access to the beverage container with an automated electronic security system. The fingerprint scanner and processor validate user authorization, and the motor-driven valve automatically opens or closes based on verification results, eliminating the need for manual intervention and preventing unauthorized consumption while maintaining convenience for authorized users.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The security lock system performs self-service by automatically scanning fingerprints, validating security codes, and actuating the valve without requiring manual operation. The system independently controls access to the beverage, eliminating the need for human intervention in the opening mechanism and thereby preventing unauthorized consumption while maintaining ease of operation for authorized users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9908673B2Beverage access restricting drinking assembly
Publication Date: 2018.03.06 ROGERS EUNICE
  • US9908673B2 patent drawing
  • US9908673B2 patent drawing
  • US9908673B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A secure drinking assembly includes a container that may contain a beverage. A valve is coupled to the container and the valve selectively opens and closes the container. A security lock is coupled to the container. The security lock may be manipulated thereby facilitating the security lock to receive a security code. The security lock actuates the valve to selectively open the container when the security lock receives the security code.