Child-Resistant Closure With Rotation-Blocking Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current child-resistant packaging designs often fail to effectively prevent children from opening containers, as they may not require sufficient multiple actions to remove the closure, posing a risk of accidental access to hazardous products.
Innovation Solution
A child-resistant package incorporating a closure-release control mechanism with a rotation-blocking stop, a movable release element, and an inclined locking tab, which blocks rotation in the counterclockwise direction until a downward force is applied, ensuring the closure remains secured until intentionally released by a consumer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple closure design is used, then ease of operation is improved, but child-resistant capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into separate functional components: a closure body, a locking tab with inclined surface, a rotation-blocking stop, and a movable release element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively providing both child-resistant capability and ease of operation for adults.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking tab is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to pivot between a locked position (blocking rotation) and an unlocked position (allowing rotation). The movable release element dynamically changes the state of the locking mechanism based on user input, enabling both security and easy release.
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used, then child-resistant capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is self-actuating during normal closure installation. When the closure is screwed onto the container, the rotation-blocking stop automatically engages with the inclined surface of the locking tab, causing the locking tab to pivot and block further rotation. This eliminates the need for separate locking actions or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable release element serves as an intermediary component that translates simple downward pressure into the pivotal movement of the locking tab. This intermediary mechanism allows adults to easily release the closure by pushing a small element rather than applying complex forces to the entire closure assembly.
3Reliability
If a rotation-blocking mechanism is used, then child-resistant capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tab is positioned and oriented during manufacturing such that it is ready to engage with the rotation-blocking stop during normal closure installation. The inclined surface is pre-configured to automatically convert the rotational motion of closing into the pivotal motion needed to block rotation, eliminating the need for separate locking steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A package includes a container and a closure. The container is formed to include a product-storage chamber and a mouth opening into the product-storage chamber. The closure is configured to mount on the container to assume an installed position closing the mouth formed in the container when rotated relative to the container about a vertical axis of rotation in a closure-installation direction.