Child-Resistant Discharge Head With Pressure-Actuated Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child-resistant fluid dispensers are complex and ineffective for preventing accidental discharge, particularly when used in inverted positions or with squeezable bottles, as they require significant force or specific movement sequences to open, which can be challenging for adults to operate efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A discharge head with a child-resistant mechanism comprising two interconnected components that can move relative to each other, featuring a switching valve that opens with pressure, and an additional outlet valve that requires pressure to discharge, ensuring secure closure and easy adult operation while preventing accidental discharge by children.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a child-resistant mechanism requiring significant force or specific movement sequences is used, then child safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking element can be shifted between locked and unlocked positions through relative movement of the inner and outer components. The mechanism transitions from a static locked state to an unlocked state through a simple pressure application, allowing the locking force to be dynamically adjusted rather than requiring complex movement sequences
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of locking force from requiring significant force or complex sequences to requiring only minimal pressure. The relative movement between inner and outer components alters the engagement state of the locking elements, transforming the operational parameter from force-intensive to pressure-sensitive
2Reliability
If a complex child-resistant mechanism is used, then child safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge head is segmented into an inner component and an outer component that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the child-resistant function to be achieved through simple relative movement between two components rather than a complex integrated mechanism, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses dynamic relative movement between the inner and outer components rather than a complex static mechanism. The locking and unlocking states are achieved through simple displacement of components relative to each other, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining effective child resistance
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 provides a structurally simple and effective child-resistant mechanism that prevents accidental fluid discharge by children, ensuring safe and controlled dispensing, especially when the dispenser is used in inverted positions or with squeezable bottles, while allowing easy operation by adults with minimal force and pressure.
Implementation Method 1
The inner component and the outer component can be locked in the first relative position by a child-resistant mechanism which acts in a positive-locking manner
Implementation Method 2
an additional outlet valve which requires pressure to open
Data Source
AI summary
A discharge head for a fluid container, including a discharge opening and a switching valve which closes and opens a fluid path between the fluid container and the discharge opening. The discharge head has an inner component fixedly connected to a fluid store and an outer component movable relative to the inner component and non-separably connected thereto. The outer component is moved relative to the inner component between a first relative closure position and a second relative open position. The switching valve is opened and closed by movement of the inner component relative to the outer component, is closed in the first position and open in the second position. The inner and outer components are locked in the first position by a child-resistant mechanism, and displacement of the outer component from the first position into the second position is prevented in a locking position of the mechanism.