Child-Resistant Dispensing Closure with Push-Turn Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child-resistant prescription packages do not adequately assist users in adhering to dosing regimens for pelletized medication and lack innovative features to enhance usability and security.
Innovation Solution
A child-resistant dispensing package with a container and multiple component closure system, including an inner cover with a dispensing opening, a hinged lid, and an outer cover with internal lugs and springs, which requires a push-and-turn mechanism to open, featuring cam surfaces and dosing indicia to aid users in following medication schedules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple closure is used, then ease of operation is improved, but child resistance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is divided into two separate components: an inner cover that remains on the container and an outer cover that is removed. This segmentation allows the outer cover to incorporate child-resistant features (bayonet coupling with cam surfaces and springs) while the inner cover provides simple flip-top operation for dispensing medication.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer cover is designed to fit over and enclose the inner cover, creating a nested structure. The outer cover's bayonet coupling mechanism with cam surfaces and springs provides child resistance at the outer layer, while the inner cover's flip-top lid provides easy access to medication.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is used, then child resistance is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The child-resistant function is isolated to the outer cover's bayonet coupling mechanism, while the inner cover maintains a simple flip-top design. This segmentation prevents the complexity from propagating to the entire closure system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire closure complex, the invention inverts the approach by making only the outer protective layer complex (with cam surfaces and springs) while keeping the inner dispensing mechanism simple.
3Ease of operation
If a flip-top lid is added, then ease of dispensing is improved, but accidental opening by children is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The flip-top lid is nested within the outer cover that has the bayonet coupling mechanism. The outer cover's secure locking with cam surfaces and springs prevents children from accessing the inner cover's flip-top lid, while adults can easily open the flip-top for dispensing after removing the outer cover.
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 package effectively prevents accidental opening by children while facilitating easy dispensing of medication through a secure and user-friendly mechanism that assists users in adhering to dosing regimens.
Implementation Method 1
at least one internal spring for engaging the inner cover and biasing the outer cover away from the inner cover
Implementation Method 2
one or more of the cam surfaces engages the lid and cams the lid from the closed position toward the open position
Data Source
AI summary
A child-resistant dispensing closure for a container may include one or the other or both of a dispensing cover non-removably securable to a container, or an outer cover non-removably securable and rotatable with respect to the inner cover and cooperable with the dispensing cover to render the closure child-resistant. According to another embodiment, an outer cover may include a flange to aid users in pushing and turning the outer cover with their fingers.