Smart containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional containers lack secure and user-specific control mechanisms for dispensing contents, often leading to unauthorized access or inefficient usage based on individual preferences.
Innovation Solution
A smart container with a valve assembly, actuator, sensor, and control system that detects user-specific parameters such as fingerprints, lip prints, or facial recognition to authorize content dispensing, and adapts to individual drinking habits by controlling the valve's open and closed configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional containers are used without control mechanisms, then ease of operation is improved, but security and unauthorized access control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical opening mechanisms with an automated control system that uses sensors (optical, capacitive, or fingerprint sensors) to detect user identity and triggers an actuator to automatically open the valve assembly, thereby eliminating the need for manual operation while enhancing security through biometric authentication
Solution Approach 2:
The container system performs authentication and valve operation automatically without requiring user intervention. The sensor detects the user's fingerprint or other biometric data, the control system processes this information, and the actuator opens the valve autonomously, allowing the system to serve itself by eliminating manual opening actions
2Reliability
If smart container with authentication system is implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a single unit: it houses the sensor array for user authentication, the actuator control logic, and the valve actuation mechanism. This multi-functional integration reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture despite the advanced security features
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor, actuator, and control circuit are nested within the container structure, with the sensor positioned in the lid, the actuator integrated into the valve assembly, and the control system embedded within the container body. This nested arrangement minimizes external complexity while maintaining security functionality
3Reliability
If valve assembly with actuator is used, then security control is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical operation of opening the container is replaced with an automated actuator system controlled by electronic sensors and a control circuit, eliminating the need for users to manually manipulate valves or lids while maintaining secure access control through biometric authentication
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly opens automatically upon successful authentication without requiring the user to perform any manual opening actions. The system detects the authorized user, processes the authentication, and autonomously actuates the valve to the open position, making the operation effortless for authorized users
Data Source
AI summary
The smart container comprises a body and a lid attached to the body. The lid comprises a valve movable between an open position and a closed position. The smart container further comprises an actuator configured to move the valve between the open position and the closed position, a sensor configured to detect a user, and a control circuit communicatively coupled to the sensor and the actuator. The control circuit is configured to receive a signal from the sensor indicative of a sensed condition and send a signal to the actuator when the sensed condition corresponds to an opening state.