Child-Resistant Container With Slidable Lid and Ramp Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child-resistant container assemblies are difficult for individuals with upper extremity disabilities to open and are costly, while also posing challenges for users without disabilities due to the complexity of opening mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A child-resistant container assembly featuring a polymeric slidable lid with a child-resistant release tab and ramp projections, allowing the lid to slide into a different axial plane for easy access, while maintaining security through a two-action opening mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-piece system with outer shell, inner shell, and compressible liner is used to achieve child-resistant closure, then child resistance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into distinct functional components: a rotatable closure member with child-resistant engagement features, a separate lid with ramp projections, and a container with flange features. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall system simplicity and reducing manufacturing complexity compared to integrated multi-piece systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The child-resistant mechanism is extracted as a separate functional feature within the closure member, utilizing the interaction between the closure's engagement features and the container's flange structure. This extraction simplifies the overall design by removing the need for separate inner shells and compressible liners, reducing both device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining child-resistant functionality.
2Reliability
If a multi-piece system with floating shells and compressible liner is used to achieve child-resistant closure, then child resistance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for users with upper extremity disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is designed to rotate dynamically about the container's longitudinal axis, providing a simple rotational motion that requires minimal force and dexterity. This dynamic opening mechanism contrasts with static multi-piece systems that require coordinated manipulation of multiple components, making it significantly easier for users with upper extremity disabilities to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening mechanism utilizes rotational motion in a circular path around the container axis, transforming the opening action from linear force application to rotational torque application. This dimensional change in the opening motion provides mechanical advantage and reduces the force required, improving ease of operation for users with limited gripping strength or dexterity.
3Reliability
If a polymeric slidable lid with two-action mechanism is used to achieve child resistance, then child resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two child-resistant actions (rotational movement of closure member and sliding movement of lid) are merged into a single integrated opening sequence. The closure member's rotation and the lid's sliding motion work together as unified child-resistant features rather than separate mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining dual-action child resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp projections on the lid serve multiple functions: they guide the sliding motion of the lid during opening, provide mechanical advantage to reduce opening force, and work in conjunction with the closure member's rotation to achieve the second child-resistant action. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining child-resistant performance.
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 container assembly allows users with limited dexterity or upper extremity disabilities to open and access contents with reduced physical effort, while remaining child-resistant and cost-effective compared to existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
The polymeric slidable lid is configured to contact the plurality of ramp projections resulting in further movement of the polymeric slidable lid into a different axial plane spaced above the flange of the container
Data Source
AI summary
A container assembly includes a container and a lid. The container has a sidewall, a bottom and a flange. The sidewall includes a child-resistant release tab that moves towards the sidewall. The release tab forms an opening therein. The flange includes ramp projections. The lid includes a top portion and opposing retention sidewalls. The retention sidewalls include a stop projection. An interior surface of the polymeric slidable lid includes a sealing liner. The stop projection and the release tab assist in preventing or inhibiting movement of the container assembly from a closed to an open position. After the release tab is moved towards the sidewall, the lid can slide from a closed to an open position. The lid contacts the ramp projections resulting in further movement of the lid into a different axial plane spaced above the flange.