Childproof Capsule Torque Transmission Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child-proof safety capsules face challenges in ensuring the cap is securely closed after use, which can compromise the safety mechanism against accidental openings by children, as the current designs require precise axial thrust and rotation combinations that are difficult for young children to manage, and may not provide adequate locking force.
Innovation Solution
A child-proof capsule design featuring a cap and cover with integrated press-fit engagement means and transmission mechanisms, including flexible tabs and abutments, that disengage when a pre-established torque threshold is exceeded, allowing users to confirm sufficient tightening through noise or reduced resistance, ensuring secure closure and preventing child access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lid requires coordinated axial thrust and rotation to open, then child safety is improved, but the ease of operation for adults deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the engagement between lid and cap dynamic rather than static. The lid includes a protrusion that interacts with a protuberance on the cap, allowing the engagement state to change based on the direction of force applied. During closing, the protrusion engages the cathetus of the protuberance triangle to transmit rotational movement. During opening, the same protrusion engages the hypotenuse to allow sliding while preventing pure rotation, thereby adapting the mechanical interaction to the operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the geometric parameters of the protuberance (right triangle shape with specific sides) to create different mechanical behaviors. The cathetus side provides engagement for torque transmission during closing, while the hypotenuse side provides a ramp geometry for controlled sliding during opening. This geometric parameter design ensures that the same structural feature serves different functional purposes based on the operational direction.
2Ease of operation
If the protrusion geometry allows easy opening, then ease of operation is improved, but child safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry through the right triangle geometry of the protuberance, where the cathetus and hypotenuse have different orientations and functional properties. The asymmetric design ensures that the opening mechanism requires a specific combination of forces (axial thrust combined with rotation) that is difficult for children to coordinate, while adults can perform naturally. The hypotenuse ramp provides controlled sliding only when proper axial force is applied, preventing accidental opening.
3Ease of manufacture
If the engagement mechanism is simple, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the locking force deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the engagement mechanism into distinct functional elements: the protrusion on the lid, the protuberance with cathetus and hypotenuse sides on the cap, and the intactness band. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The protrusion-protuberance interaction provides the locking mechanism, while the intactness band provides visual verification, eliminating the need for complex multi-component engagement systems.
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 design enhances safety by allowing users to verify and ensure the cap is securely tightened, thereby preventing accidental openings by children, and provides a reliable mechanism for closing containers, such as those holding pharmaceutical products.
Implementation Method 1
the tab intercepts a cathetus of the triangle of the protuberance allowing the transmission of the movement from the lid to the cap and therefore the closing onto the container
Implementation Method 2
the tab intercepts the hypotenuse of the triangle of the protuberance which therefore, thanks to its own inclination, constitutes a ramp for the empty sliding of the lid with respect to the cap
Implementation Method 3
press-fit engagement means and transmission mechanisms, including flexible tabs and abutments, that disengage when a pre-established torque threshold is exceeded
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A child proof closure capsule for closing a container, comprising: i) a cap (2) that can be associated with a container; ii) a cover (3) of the cap (2) designed to be turned by a user for closure of the cap (2); iii) transmission means (4) for transmitting a closure torque from the cover (3) to the cap (2) for closing the cap. The transmission means (4) are disengaged when the closure torque transmitted is greater than a pre-established threshold.