Carton Package Locking Mechanism for Child Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a child-resistant packaging solution made from carton board that is difficult for children to open but simple in construction and re-closable multiple times, as existing solutions do not adequately address the requirement for carton-based packages with effective child-resistant locks.
Innovation Solution
A package design featuring a locking mechanism with distinct parts of the inner casing flap that can move independently, combined with an outer casing locking part and opening flaps, allowing for secure closure and multiple re-openings, constructed from a single sheet of carton board with creasing and cutting to enhance reliability and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to make the package child-resistant, then the security against children opens is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional parts: a locking part on the outer casing, a flap on the inner casing with independent end parts, and opening flaps on the outer casing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The flap's end parts can move independently to engage or disengage from the locking part, providing child resistance without requiring a complex multi-component locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner casing with its flap is nested within the outer casing, and the locking mechanism components are integrated into this nested structure. The locking part of the outer casing and the flap of the inner casing work together within the same spatial envelope, eliminating the need for separate external locking devices and maintaining construction simplicity while achieving child resistance.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is designed to prevent immediate opening, then the child resistance is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The opening flaps on the outer casing are designed to directly actuate the locking mechanism when pressed. The user's action on the opening flaps self-service the locking function by causing the flap end parts to move independently and disengage from the locking part, allowing the inner casing to be pulled out without requiring additional manual manipulation of separate locking components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the package is designed to be re-closable multiple times, then the usability is improved, but the locking mechanism reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The flap end parts are designed to move independently and dynamically engage or disengage from the locking part based on the package state. During re-closing, the flap can be pushed back to re-engage with the locking part, providing consistent locking reliability across multiple opening and closing cycles. The independent movement capability allows the mechanism to adapt to repeated use while maintaining secure closure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a package (1), which comprises an outer casing (2) and an inner casing (3) accommodated slidably within the outer casing and capable of motion between a closed position and an open position. The package comprises a locking mechanism for preventing immediate opening of the package from the closed position to the open position. The locking mechanism comprises - a locking part (24) arranged inside the outer casing, - a flap (8) of the inner casing comprising at least two distinct parts, namely a first end part (8a) comprising the first end (9) of the flap and a second end part (8b) comprising the second end (10) of the flap, whereby an end of the flap (8) is arranged against the locking part (24) of the outer casing in the closed position, - a first opening flap (12) in the outer casing, arranged at least partly overlapping with the first end (9) of the flap (8) of the inner casing when the package is in closed position, and - a second opening flap (13) in the outer casing, arranged at least partly overlapping with the second end (10) of the flap (8) of the inner casing when the package is in closed position.