Slidable Locking Collar Cigarette Box with Rate Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smokers face challenges in reducing cigarette consumption due to the lack of effective tools to manage their smoking habits, and existing solutions do not adequately limit access to cigarettes based on usage rate and frequency.
Innovation Solution
A lockable cigarette box with a processor, sensor, and display that allows users to set a maximum number of openings and rate per time period, locking the box when these limits are exceeded, and using a slidable collar and locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple box is used to store cigarettes, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to control and limit cigarette usage is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cigarette box is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only stores cigarettes but also tracks opening次数, enforces usage limits, provides visual feedback through displays, and automatically locks when limits are exceeded. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by integrating control capabilities into the basic storage box without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The box monitors its own usage, automatically determines when limits are exceeded, and self-locks without requiring external intervention. The processor tracks opening次数 through sensors, compares against stored limits, and actuates the locking mechanism autonomously, enabling the system to serve itself in enforcing usage restrictions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a locking mechanism is added to control access, then usage control capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex locking procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with an electronically-controlled locking mechanism actuated by a motor or actuator driven by the processor. This substitution allows for programmable control logic that can distinguish between authorized openings (within limits) and unauthorized attempts (exceeding limits), providing versatile control while maintaining simple user interaction through automatic differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism's state is dynamically adjusted based on real-time usage data. The box transitions between locked and unlocked states automatically based on the current opening次数 relative to the set limit, rather than requiring manual intervention. This dynamic behavior adapts the operation difficulty to the usage context.
3Adaptability or versatility
If real-time monitoring and locking features are implemented, then usage control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components: the processor handles both tracking and control logic, the display serves both as information output and user interface, and the locking mechanism is directly actuated by the control system. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate independent systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by changing operational parameters dynamically rather than requiring complex structural configurations. The processor adjusts the locking state based on simple parameter comparisons (current opening次数 vs. stored limit), using parameter-based control logic rather than complex mechanical or electronic circuitry.
4Reliability
If the box locks after exceeding usage limits, then enforcement of usage limits is improved, but loss of time occurs when user needs to access cigarettes urgently
Solution Approach 1:
The user pre-configures their usage limits and time parameters before using the box. By establishing these parameters in advance, the system can automatically make enforcement decisions without requiring real-time judgment or intervention, reducing the time delay when limits are exceeded. The preliminary setup enables rapid automated response during actual usage.
Data Source
AI summary
A lockable cigarette box has a slidable collar which slides upwards and links to a cover of the box to hold the cover closed in an embodiment of the disclosed technology. Further, a locking mechanism within the slidable collar which attaches to a front side of the cover keeps the cigarette box closed and locked at times. One can use a dial, button, or other input to set a time and/or to run a program which allows the box to opened only up to a certain amount of times per unit of time (rate) and/or a certain total number of times over the course of the program. This allows a person to control the maximum number of cigarettes removed over a period of time and how fast the cigarettes are removed.