Child-Resistant Locking Container with Nested Threaded Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage containers with external locking mechanisms often fail to secure contents over time due to warped plastic or inadequate design, and lack child-resistant features, making them unsuitable for storing hazardous items like food or medicine, especially when accessibility by children is a concern.
Innovation Solution
A child-resistant storage container design featuring a lid with a first and second member, where the second member includes a cog with gaps and a depression, and a body with a threaded portion, allowing for a locked and unlocked state configuration, ensuring secure closure and preventing accidental opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external locking mechanisms with plastic flaps are used, then the container can be easily manufactured and operated, but the locking mechanism becomes unreliable over time due to warping
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a lid member with locking protrusions, a body member with corresponding recesses, and a threaded engagement system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for reliability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses a nested structure where the lid member is disposed within the body member, and the threaded portion is integrated within the body. This nesting reduces the overall footprint and eliminates the need for external complex locking structures.
2Reliability
If simple locking mechanisms are used, then the container is easy to operate, but the container cannot provide child-resistant security
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static simple latch to a dynamic system requiring sequential actions: rotating the lid member to disengage locking protrusions, then unscrewing the threaded portion. This dynamic sequence provides child-resistant security while remaining operable by adults.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid member must first be rotated to disengage the locking protrusions from recesses before the threaded portion can be unscrewed. This preliminary action creates an additional barrier that prevents accidental or unauthorized opening by children.
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism is made more secure, then child-resistant security is improved, but the mechanism becomes more obvious and less unobtrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and sealing functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism where the lid member simultaneously provides both security locking and seal engagement. This merging eliminates the need for separate visible locking components, maintaining an unobtrusive appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid member serves multiple functions: it provides the locking protrusions for security, engages with the seal for containment, and integrates the threaded portion for reversible engagement. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and maintains a clean, unobtrusive design.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If reusable storage containers are used, then time and money are saved, but the containers may not withstand repeated use due to warped plastic
Solution Approach 1:
The container uses composite construction with a lid member and body member that can be made from materials resistant to warping and degradation. The threaded portion and locking mechanisms are designed to maintain their structural integrity through repeated use and cleaning cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The design anticipates wear and deformation by incorporating a reversible threaded engagement system that can be tightened or adjusted to compensate for minor warping or degradation over time, maintaining locking security throughout the container's lifespan.
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 provides a secure, long-lasting, and child-resistant storage solution that maintains the integrity of its contents by employing a reversible locking mechanism that is both unobtrusive and effective against children and adults alike.
Implementation Method 1
a body threaded portion configured to reversibly engage the second member threaded portion
Data Source
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AI summary
The container may comprise a lid, wherein the lid includes a lid sidewall, a lid top surface, and a lid aperture. The container may comprise a first member disposed within the lid, the first member affixed to the lid top surface, the first member comprising a first member sidewall, a first member top surface, and one or more indentations protruding below the first member top surface. Further, the container may comprise a second member disposed within the lid, the second member comprising a second member sidewall, a second member top surface, a second member threaded portion, and a cog disposed atop the second member top surface, the cog comprising one or more gaps between each of one or more teeth. Yet further, the container may comprise a body comprising a body sidewall, a body bottom surface, and a body threaded portion configured to reversibly engage the second member threaded portion.