Tamper-Evident Latching Mechanism for Valuables Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for closing thin-walled transport containers for valuables, such as thermal sealing, gluing, mechanical closure, and latching systems, face issues like high energy consumption, maintenance requirements, limited automation, and vulnerability to manipulation, which compromise security and detection of unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring complementary latching elements that create a snap-in connection, with visible changes in shape upon separation, allowing for easy detection of manipulation attempts through visual inspection or mechanical scanning, and a uniaxial movement mechanism for secure and automated closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal sealing is used to close the thin-walled transport container, then the container is securely closed, but high energy consumption and thermal load occur which reduce service life and can damage valuables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal sealing (thermal system) with a mechanical latching system consisting of closure elements with latching elements that engage to secure the container. This mechanical approach eliminates the need for heat energy while achieving secure closure, directly resolving the contradiction between closure security and energy consumption.
2Reliability
If thermal sealing is used to close the thin-walled transport container, then the container is securely closed, but high thermal load occurs which reduces service life of machine and valuables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the thermal sealing process with a mechanical latching mechanism where closure elements with latching elements engage to secure the container. This eliminates thermal load entirely while maintaining closure security, protecting both the machine and valuables from thermal damage.
3Reliability
If latching elements are used to create a latching connection, then secure closure is achieved, but manipulation can release and re-establish the connection making theft possible without immediate detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visible indicators (such as color changes or shape changes) on the latching elements that permanently alter when the latching connection is separated. This allows immediate visual detection of manipulation attempts, preventing undetected theft while maintaining secure closure through the latching mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a secure, simple, and cost-effective method for closing thin-walled transport containers, enabling easy detection of tampering attempts and preventing unauthorized access, while allowing for variable filling volumes and efficient handling of valuables.
Implementation Method 1
a first latching element (18, 20) and a second latching element (22, 24) designed and arranged to engage with one another to create a snap-in connection
Data Source
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AI summary
In a method and a device for closing at least one thin-walled transport container (12) for valuables, which has at least one opening, at least a part of the opening of the transport container (12), which is open for feeding the valuables, is arranged between a first closing element (14) comprising at least one locking element (18, 20) and a second closing element comprising at least one second locking element (22, 24) complementary to the first locking element (18, 20). The locking areas of the locking elements are designed such that at least two mutually complementary locking areas of the locking elements are configured such that one of these locking areas is visibly changed in shape when the locking connection is broken.