Cardboard Childproof Closure Sliding Panel Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing childproof packaging for detergent and cleaning compositions often relies on plastic materials, which are environmentally unsustainable, and the 'locked drawer' mechanism is not suitable for larger systems like detergent packaging, being both uncomfortable and material-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A cardboard package unit with a childproof closure made entirely from cardboard, featuring a slidably movable panel that can open and close, ensuring children cannot access the contents without making the packaging difficult to produce or handle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If plastic materials with locking systems are used for childproof packaging, then child safety is improved, but environmental sustainability deteriorates due to plastic waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechild safetyVSAvoidenvironmental pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from plastic to cardboard, transforming the packaging from non-biodegradable to biodegradable while maintaining the childproof function through a sliding panel mechanism with engagement features

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional plastic locking system with a cardboard-based sliding panel system that uses friction and geometric engagement features rather than complex mechanical locks, achieving child safety without plastic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a 'locked drawer' mechanism is used for childproof closure, then child safety is improved, but device complexity and material consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechild safetyVSAvoidclosure mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the closure into separate functional elements: a sliding panel and a base with engagement features, allowing simple linear motion rather than complex drawer mechanics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of pulling a drawer out to open (complex motion), the patent uses a sliding panel that moves linearly within the container opening, inverting the traditional drawer concept into a simpler sliding mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If a 'locked drawer' mechanism is used for childproof closure, then child safety is improved, but manufacturing and handling difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechild safetyVSAvoidpackaging production ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The closure is segmented into a sliding panel and base components that can be manufactured separately and assembled, simplifying production compared to monolithic drawer mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses thin cardboard panels with scored lines for folding and breaking, enabling easy formation of the sliding mechanism through simple paperboard processing techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3753856B1Childproof package unit

Publication Date: 2023.10.11 DALLI-WERKE GMBH & CO KG

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AI summary

A Package unit comprising (i) a cardboard container having an upper top surface (1), a bottom (2) and at least three side surfaces (3), wherein at one of said top (1) or side surfaces (3) a childproof closure (4) is provided, wherein said closure (4) is made of cardboard and is slidely movable between a position closing the container and a position providing an opening (0) allowing the removal, discharge, pouring or taking out of the content of said container, and (ii) shaped or granular item(s), comprising a detergent or cleaning composition, or a water softener composition