Tamperproof Security Bin with Lockable Lids and Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of cost-effective, secure storage and transportation solutions for sensitive media before destruction or recycling, as existing methods often require transferring media to another location for batch destruction, leaving it vulnerable to unauthorized access and misuse.
Innovation Solution
A tamperproof security bin with lockable lids, plexiglass windows, and optional scanning capabilities is designed to securely store and transport media, allowing for easy stacking and logging of contents, capable of holding a large quantity of HDDs or SSDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If media is transferred to another location for batch destruction, then destruction efficiency is improved, but security and vulnerability to unauthorized access deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the media destruction process into two independent phases: secure transportation (using locked bins with tracking) and batch destruction (at specialized facilities). This segmentation allows media to be transported securely in controlled containers rather than loose, maintaining security while enabling efficient batch processing at destruction facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements including secure bins as physical intermediaries and barcodes/RFID tags as digital intermediaries. These intermediaries enable tracking and accountability throughout the transportation chain, maintaining security while facilitating the transfer to batch destruction facilities.
2Reliability
If secure storage and transportation solutions are implemented, then security is improved, but cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The secure bin is designed as a multi-functional universal container that combines secure storage, transportation, and tracking capabilities in a single device. The bin serves multiple purposes: physical containment with locking mechanisms, identification through barcodes/RFID, and stackability for efficient space utilization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate security systems, thereby controlling costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-service features including automatic tracking through barcodes and RFID tags that require minimal manual intervention. The bins are designed to be self-identifying and trackable throughout the supply chain, reducing labor costs and administrative overhead while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If lids are made lockable and tamperproof, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with simpler magnetic or cam-based locking mechanisms that provide equivalent security but are easier to operate. The locking system is designed to be foolproof for security while requiring minimal effort for authorized users, balancing security with ease of operation.
4Volume of moving object
If bins are made stackable for storage and shipping, then space efficiency is improved, but structural complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bin design incorporates asymmetric features such as stacked configurations where bins of different heights can be nested, and non-uniform wall thicknesses optimized for stacking strength. This asymmetric design enables efficient space utilization in storage and transportation while maintaining relatively simple individual bin structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A security bin formed from a commercially available rectangular plastic bin having removable lids that are secured to the bin to prevent unauthorized access to the items placed therein. The lids are locked with a tamperproof flap and latching hook to prevent access to the bin contents. Plexiglass windows allow viewing of materials placed within the bin. Spring pins allow ease of lid movement for access to the bin contents, or allow removal of the windows to allow stacking for storage and shipping. An optional scanner can be mounted to one of the lids for recording and tracking of storage media placed within the bin.