Child Resistant Enclosure Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child resistant containers often lack an effective mechanism to ensure simultaneous dual action for opening while maintaining an airtight seal, which can compromise safety and security.
Innovation Solution
A child resistant storage container with an integrated latch lid engagement and deformable sealing latch sidewalls, where simultaneous deflection by independent engagement elements is required to release the lid, ensuring an airtight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dual simultaneous action latch mechanism is implemented, then child safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function and latch function into a single integrated seal/latch assembly. The deformable sidewalls serve dual purposes: creating the airtight seal when engaged and providing the latch locking action. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the required dual simultaneous action for child safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable sidewalls perform multiple functions simultaneously: they act as sealing elements to prevent leakage, serve as latch engagement surfaces for the locking mechanism, and provide the mechanical linkage for the dual action requirement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sealing and latching components.
2Reliability
If an airtight seal is maintained, then storage security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seal/latch assembly incorporates deformable sidewalls that can dynamically change their engagement state. When adult users apply force to the release buttons, the sidewalls deflect to disengage the latch while maintaining the sealing capability. This dynamic deformation allows easy opening for adults while keeping the seal intact during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable sidewalls change their physical state (engaged vs. disengaged) in response to applied force. The material properties allow the sidewalls to flex and deform under adult pressure to release the latch, yet return to their original sealed configuration after opening, maintaining both security and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If deformable sealing latch sidewalls are used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs deformable sidewalls made from flexible materials that can elastically bend and return to their original shape. This flexibility allows the sidewalls to be actuated by simple button presses without requiring complex actuation mechanisms, while the material properties ensure consistent deformation behavior that reduces manufacturing precision requirements.
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 effectively prevents accidental opening by children while maintaining an airtight seal, ensuring secure storage and easy access for adults.
Implementation Method 1
deformable respective sealing latch sidewalls for lid release upon simultaneous deflection by respective independent engagement elements
Data Source
AI summary
A child resistant storage case having a base with an offset hinge lid forming an interior storage area therein. A deformable sealing and lid retainment insert has oppositely disposed dual latch elements registerably retaining the lid in closed sealed position. A pair of independent release buttons extending through respective base end walls engaging respective yielding end portions of said sealing and lid retainment insert under simultaneous inward pressure releasing the lid for storage area access.