Tamper-Evident Container Locking Member and Barrier Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container designs lack effective tamper-proof, tamper-resistant, and child-resistant mechanisms that provide visual indication of use while allowing easy removal and replacement of lids without generating waste.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a locking member with severable portions that can be activated by a user to move from a blocking to a non-blocking position, allowing access to a grasping portion for lid removal and replacement, while preventing accidental activation through the use of slots for tool-based severing and visual indicators for user guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent tampering, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking member with blocking and non-blocking positions, a barrier wall with first and second positions, and a grasping portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to provide tamper-proof functionality without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to be movable between a blocking position (when the barrier wall is in the first position) and a non-blocking position (when the barrier wall is in the second position). This dynamic capability allows the same structure to provide both security and ease of access, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity by making the security feature adaptable rather than fixed.
2Reliability
If a tamper-evident feature is added to show use, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper-evident feature is merged with the locking mechanism itself. The barrier wall's position (first position for blocking, second position for non-blocking) directly indicates whether the container has been opened. This integration means the security feature and the evidence feature are the same structure, providing tamper-evident indication without adding separate complex components.
3Reliability
If a frangible portion is used to break when lid is removed, then tamper-proof functionality is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier wall is designed to be movable and recoverable. When the lid is removed, the barrier wall can be returned to its first position (blocking position) to restore the tamper-proof state. This allows the container to be reused multiple times without permanent material loss, resolving the contradiction between providing tamper-proof functionality and minimizing material waste.
Data Source
AI summary
A container includes a receptacle having a bottom panel, at least one wall extending upwardly from the bottom panel, and a lid coupling region extending from an upper portion of the at least one wall. The lid coupling region includes an upstanding barrier wall, and a locking member movable from a blocking position to a non-blocking position. The container further comprises a lid having a receptacle coupling region extending about the periphery thereof. The receptacle coupling region includes an outer edge that seats behind the barrier wall. A portion of the outer edge can be exposed for gripping access to remove the lid when the locking member is moved to the non-blocking position.