Child Resistant Cap with Segmented Locking Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-and-turn container locking mechanisms are difficult for seniors to use due to requiring strong fingers and good coordination, and are complex and costly to manufacture, with a need for a simpler and more accessible solution that reduces the force required to unlock the cap.
Innovation Solution
A unitary cap and container design with resilient tabs molded around the container threads and a locking member on the cap that disengages when the cap is pushed and turned, allowing for adjustable force requirements and easier manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a resilient disk is compressed against the container lip to release locks around the periphery, then the locking mechanism can be released when the cap is turned, but the cap must be forced against the entire periphery of the lip which requires more force than is comfortable for seniors
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into discrete locking lugs positioned at specific locations rather than a continuous resilient disk compressed against the entire periphery. The cap has corresponding notches that align with these lugs, allowing the lock to be released by pushing down only at specific points rather than forcing the entire cap against the lip.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking force is concentrated at specific localized points where locking lugs engage with the cap notches, rather than distributing force across the entire periphery. This allows the resilient element to flex locally at the locking points while maintaining structural integrity elsewhere, reducing the overall force required.
2Reliability
If caps are made of two pieces snapped together or bonded together to provide resilient locking force, then the locking mechanism functions properly, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient locking mechanism is merged into a single unitary cap structure. The resilient element is integrally formed as part of the cap rather than being a separate component that needs to be snapped or bonded together. This eliminates the complexity of multi-piece assembly while maintaining the resilient locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The unitary cap structure incorporates the resilient element that automatically provides the locking force without requiring separate components or assembly steps. The cap's own structure provides the resilient force needed for locking, eliminating the need for additional parts or complex manufacturing processes.
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 solution reduces the force needed to unlock the cap, making it easier for seniors to use while also simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient locking tab extends from the same one of the container and cap as the distal end, the locking tab being located below the distal end and spaced apart from the distal end a distance sufficient to allow passage of the barb beyond the distal end but sufficiently close to resiliently urge the barb into overlapping rotational alignment with the shaped end
Data Source
AI summary
A locking cap and container is provided for a container having an opening surrounded by a neck with container threads thereon that are sized and located to threadingly engage cap threads formed on a skirt of the cap. A shaped distal end is formed on a distal end of the container threads and a barb is formed on the distal end of the cap threads. A resilient locking tab extends from the container, and is located below the shaped distal end and spaced apart from the shaped distal end a distance sufficient to allow passage of the barb beyond the shaped distal end but sufficiently close to resiliently urge the barb into overlapping rotational alignment with the shaped end. The shaped end is configured to lockingly engage the barb when the tab holds them in alignment. Pushing down on the cap pushes the thread against the locking tab and allows disengagement of the barb from the shaped distal end and movement of the barb past the shaped distal end to unlock the cap.