Child-Proof Container With Interlocking Coupling Portions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child-proof containers are either ineffective in preventing forced opening by adults or lack flexibility in use, and they often compromise on structural integrity during multiple openings and closings.
Innovation Solution
A child-proof container design featuring a closure system with interlocking coupling portions that engage to prevent opening by children while allowing easy manual opening by adults, utilizing a sheet material construction that maintains structural integrity through multiple cycles and includes a through access for external manipulation to switch between closed and open conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closure system with coupling portions is used to prevent forced opening by children, then child-proof effectiveness is improved, but the container becomes more complex and harder to operate for adults
Solution Approach 1:
A pushing element acts as an intermediary component that children cannot manipulate but adults can use to disengage the coupling portions. This element transfers the adult's manual force to the coupling mechanism, enabling easy opening without compromising child-proof effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is segmented into separate components: coupling portions on the closure and storage, and a pushing element. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to remain simple and reliable while adding a separate intervention point for adults to open the container easily
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a complex locking system is implemented to ensure structural integrity during multiple openings and closings, then durability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling portions are designed to automatically engage and lock when the closure is applied to the storage, without requiring additional manual intervention. This self-locking mechanism ensures consistent structural integrity across multiple cycles while keeping the system simple
Solution Approach 2:
The pushing element serves as a simple intermediary that enables adult intervention without adding complex mechanisms. It provides a straightforward way to disengage the self-locking coupling portions, maintaining durability while minimizing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A child-proof container including a storage for housing a product and a closure system that defines a closure condition and an open condition of the container. The container has a first coupling portion carried by the closure system and a second coupling portion carried by the storage which cooperates with the first coupling portion to define a locking condition where the first and second coupling portions prevent the closure system from switching from the closure condition to the open condition.