Security Disk Enclosure Latch and Rib Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective containers for optical data disks, such as CDs and DVDs, are ineffective in preventing theft, easily opened, difficult to open authorized, and complex to produce, leading to high tooling costs and rejection rates.
Innovation Solution
A molded protective disk container with a hingedly connected base and lid, a pedestal structure for engaging the disk, and a latch system with snap engagement and detent projections for secure closure, along with interior partitions and rib members to prevent unauthorized access and enhance security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive security devices are used to secure the container in closed condition, then security against unauthorized opening is improved, but difficulty of authorized opening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security system is divided into multiple independent latch members (first and second latch members) that can be selectively engaged or disengaged. This segmentation allows the container to provide strong security when closed while enabling easy authorized opening by simply disengaging the latch members without requiring adhesive removal or complex mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If living hinges are used to connect lid and base portions, then ease of opening and closing is improved, but vulnerability to slicing attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rib members are incorporated into the container structure to preemptively prevent slicing attacks on the living hinges. These rib members are positioned to block access to the hinge areas, thereby neutralizing the vulnerability before a slicing attack can occur, while the living hinges continue to provide easy opening and closing functionality.
3Ease of operation
If spring clamps are used to hold descriptive literature, then ease of holding articles is improved, but ability to positively hold articles in position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A separate article holder component is introduced as an intermediary between the spring clamps and the descriptive literature. This article holder provides a structured platform that positively positions articles, while the spring clamps continue to provide the holding force. The intermediary component resolves the conflict between ease of holding and precise positioning.
4Ease of operation
If rounded corners are provided in the container, then ease of handling is improved, but susceptibility to dog-earing articles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded corners that could potentially cause dog-earing are converted into a beneficial feature by positioning articles away from the corners using the article holder. The rounded corners provide ease of handling, while the article holder ensures that articles are held in protected positions, transforming the potential harm into a non-issue while preserving the handling advantage.
Data Source
AI summary
A container for a disk having a central opening includes a base having a pedestal for holding the disk, a hingedly connected lid, and a laterally spaced pair of latches for locking the container closed. Also disclosed are interior partitions of the base and lid that have edgewise proximal engagement, a disk presser structure for holding edge extremities of the disk in place during mishandling of the container, and rib members that block entry of a destructive blade in an endwise path through regions of facing contact adjacent to living hinges of the container.