Child-Resistant Closure with Flexible Shoulder Biasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child-resistant closures for liquid medicaments require multiple components, increasing manufacturing and storage costs and posing a risk of dosage cups being lost or not securely affixed, while also not maximizing ease of manufacture and storage.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece closure system featuring a dosage cup with cap lugs for child-resistant mechanisms and a thread-on bottle adapter that requires a downward force combined with rotation for opening, reducing the number of components and ensuring secure attachment to the bottle, with radially inward lugs for flow restriction and reusability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate dosage cup is manufactured and stored with the bottle and closure, then accurate measurement of dispensed medicament is achieved, but manufacturing costs and storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention integrates the dosage cup functionality directly into the closure assembly, merging what were previously separate components (dosage cup, closure, and bottle adapter) into a unified child-resistant closure system. This eliminates the need for a separate loose dosage cup while maintaining accurate measurement capabilities through integrated volumetric gradations on the closure body.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides child-resistant protection through the dual-movement mechanism, enables accurate dosing through integrated volumetric markings, and facilitates secure attachment to the bottle. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated dosage cups.
2Measurement precision
If a separate dosage cup is manufactured and stored with the bottle and closure, then accurate measurement of dispensed medicament is achieved, but storage efficiency decreases due to additional items
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the dosage measurement functionality into the closure assembly itself, the invention eliminates the need for a separate stored dosage cup. The closure now contains integrated volumetric gradations that provide accurate measurement without requiring additional storage space for separate dosing components.
3Measurement precision
If a separate dosage cup is used, then accurate measurement is possible, but the dosage cup may get lost as it is not securely affixed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the dosage cup functionality into the closure assembly, creating a unified component that cannot be lost separately. The integrated design ensures that the dosing mechanism remains securely attached to the bottle through the child-resistant closure system, eliminating the risk of separation or loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure assembly is segmented into functional components (cap, adapter, and integrated dosing mechanism) that work together as a unified system. The radially inward lugs create discrete engagement points that secure the assembly while allowing controlled operation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If downward force and rotational movement are required to open the cap, then child-resistant quality is achieved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible shoulder component introduces dynamic behavior to the closure system. It elastically deforms during the opening process, temporarily storing mechanical energy and then releasing it to assist in the opening motion. This dynamic response reduces the peak force required while maintaining the child-resistant dual-movement requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible shoulder acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and stores energy during compression, then releases it to assist opening. This pre-positioned elastic element provides mechanical assistance throughout the opening sequence, reducing the effort burden on the user while preserving security.
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
This solution minimizes manufacturing costs, enhances storage efficiency, and provides a secure, child-resistant dispensing system that restricts flow to prevent accidental access, while allowing for accurate medicament measurement and reusability of the adapter.
Implementation Method 1
The invention includes a flexible shoulder which provides an upward biasing force on the dosage cap, thus requiring a user to exert a downward force in conjunction with a rotational movement on the dosage cap
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A child-resistant closure for liquid medicaments consisting of two parts, a dosage cup and a bottle adapter. Dosage cup is configured to have cap lugs which reversibly engage helical locking lugs. In thread-on bottle adapter embodiments, helical locking lugs are located on the bottle adapter. In press-in bottle adapter embodiments, helical locking lugs are located on the neck finish of the bottle. A downward force is required to close the system, said force deforming a flexible shoulder, which in turn, creates an upwardly biasing force acting on the dosage cup to lock it in place in a child-resistant manner.