Child-Resistant Container Pivot Tab Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current child-resistant closures are ineffective for adults with manual dexterity issues, such as those with arthritis, as they require significant strain to open, leading to difficulties in adhering to prescribed drug dosing regimens.
Innovation Solution
A child-resistant container design featuring a lid with protruding hooks and moveable tabs that secure and release with a pivot mechanism, allowing easy opening by adults while maintaining child-proof security, utilizing a desiccant reservoir for moisture protection and a resealable, moisture-tight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional child-resistant closures are used, then child safety is improved, but ease of operation for adults with manual dexterity issues deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system incorporates moveable tabs that can be dynamically positioned - in a locked position where tab hooks engage lid hooks to prevent opening, and in an unlocked position where pressing the tabs below the pivot point disengages the hooks. This dynamic mechanism maintains child safety while allowing easy opening by adults who can simply press the tabs.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab hooks and lid hooks act as intermediary elements between the adult user and the container contents. The hooks provide a mechanical interface that translates the simple pressing action on the tabs into the complex disengagement motion required to open the container, making the operation easier for adults with limited dexterity while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If child-resistant mechanisms with multiple moving parts are implemented, then child-proof security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented into distinct functional components: fixed lid hooks, moveable tabs with tab hooks, and pivot points. Each segment performs a specific function - the lid hooks provide the locking interface, the tabs provide the actuation mechanism, and the pivot points enable the motion. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing and assembly while maintaining effective child-proof 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
The container is 100% child-resistant and senior-friendly, ensuring safe access for adults while preventing accidental openings by children, with a design that reduces strain and maintains product integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the moveable tabs are displaceable outwardly away from the lid to disengage the tab hooks from the lid hooks by pressing inwardly on the moveable tabs below the pivot point
Implementation Method 2
The chamber comprises a desiccant reservoir to hold a desiccant extending from the bottom surface of the lid into the cavity of the vial
Implementation Method 3
The plug on the bottom surface of the lid cover fits into the plug opening to seal the plug opening when the child-resistant container is in a closed position. The seal between the plug and the plug opening is moisture tight
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention are directed to a child-resistant container comprising a lid and a vial. The lid has a side wall, an inner surface and a lid cover. The lid cover includes a top, a bottom, and a front surface and at least two lid hooks protruding from the bottom surface. The vial contains an opening accessing a cavity and a rim extending around at least a portion of the opening, the rim having at least two moveable tabs partially affixed to the rim and movable about a pivot point. The movable tabs contain tab hooks above the pivot point for engaging with the lid hooks to secure the lid cover to the vial. The moveable tabs are displaceable outwardly away from the lid to disengage the tab hooks from the lid hooks by pressing inwardly on the moveable tabs below the pivot point.