Tamper-Proof Container With Mechanical Contact Data Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for storing substances like urine or blood samples lack a tamper-proof and cost-effective solution for secure identification and storage, particularly for doping control purposes, as they either rely on non-contact electronic storage units or mechanical contact units not integrated in a tamper-proof manner within the closure device.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a glass or polycarbonate body with a screw-on protective cap and locking cam mechanism, incorporating a non-deformable material with a flexible inner closure and an electronic storage unit accessible only via mechanical contact, ensuring secure and non-destructive sealing and data storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electronic storage unit is permanently connected to the container using wireless signal transmission, then data can be read in or out without contact, but the container lacks tamper-proof security and mechanical contact capability
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic storage unit is segmented into two separate components: a transponder integrated into the closure device and a separate reading device. This segmentation allows the transponder to be mechanically protected within the closure while enabling contactless communication when the reading device is brought close, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The transponder is nested within the closure device, which itself is attached to the container. This nested structure provides mechanical protection and tamper-proof security while allowing the transponder to remain accessible for contactless reading when the closure is properly positioned, thus maintaining both security and operational ease.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical contact means are used to read in and out the electronic storage unit, then data access is possible, but the container lacks tamper-proof integration within the closure device
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the data access function into a separate reading device that interfaces with the transponder through mechanical contact points. This allows the transponder to remain securely integrated within the closure device while enabling controlled mechanical contact for data access, thus maintaining both tamper-proof integration and operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reading device acts as an intermediary between the user and the transponder. It establishes mechanical contact with the transponder through designated contact points on the closure device, enabling data access without requiring direct manipulation of the transponder itself, thus maintaining tamper-proof integration while enabling operation.
3Reliability
If the closure device is made from non-deformable material for tamper-proof storage, then security is improved, but the closure cannot be opened improperly by cutting or deforming without visible damage
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device includes pre-positioned breaking elements that are designed to break at specific locations during proper opening. This preliminary arrangement of breaking elements allows the closure to be opened easily through controlled breaking while maintaining tamper-proof security, as any improper opening attempt would cause visible damage to the non-deformable closure material.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure device has different local qualities: most of the closure is made from non-deformable material for security, while specific localized areas contain breaking elements that are designed to break during proper opening. This local differentiation allows both tamper-proof storage and ease of proper opening, while any improper opening attempt would cause visible damage to the non-deformable portions.
4Reliability
If latching means are provided between the container and protective cap, then automatic tamper-proof connection occurs, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching means are designed to automatically engage when the protective cap is screwed onto the container. The breaking elements and latching cams work together in a self-service manner, where the act of screwing on the cap automatically positions the breaking elements and engages the latching mechanism, eliminating the need for separate manual locking actions and reducing operational complexity despite the sophisticated security features.
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 container provides tamper-proof storage and identification of contents by ensuring that data and samples can only be accessed by destroying the protective cap, maintaining a secure and cost-effective solution for doping control samples.
Implementation Method 1
An axially acting spring ring 13 with, for example, four stamped spring tongues 14 holds the locking cam ring 8 securely in its locking position.
Implementation Method 2
Both the container 1 and its protective cap 4 consist of a non-deformable material that breaks, e.g. in the event of an impact, such as glass or a plastic such as polycarbonate with comparable properties, so that the protective cap 4 cannot be opened improperly by cutting or deforming it
Data Source
Figure 1~8
AI summary
The identifiable container (1) serves for the tamper-proof storage of substances or objects. Its closure device (4, 16) has locking means (5, 6) by which it is permanently and non-destructively secured to the container (1). A sealing inner closure (16) and an electronic storage unit, which can only be read and written via mechanical contact means, are securely enclosed in a protective cap (4) of the container (1).