Child Resistant Container Locking Mechanism Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child-resistant storage containers are difficult for adults to open, lack ease of use, and are not cost-effective, while also failing to prevent children from accessing the contents and providing additional features like magnetic sealing or secure attachment options.
Innovation Solution
A child-resistant storage container design featuring a locking mechanism with threaded members and interlocking teeth that requires a specific twisting and depressing motion to open, combined with magnetic or adhesive options for secure attachment, and a support ring to prevent contents from falling out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism with threaded members is used to secure the container, then child resistance is improved, but ease of operation for adults deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static threaded connection to a dynamic system where the lid can be depressed to disengage the threading engagement. This allows the same mechanism to provide strong child resistance during normal conditions while enabling easy adult operation through the depression action that releases the threaded members from their engaged state.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism changes the engagement parameter of the threaded members based on the depression action. When the lid is depressed, the relative position and engagement depth of the threaded members changes, allowing disengagement. This parameter change enables the system to switch between locked (child-resistant) and unlocked (easy-to-open) states.
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple components is used, then child resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded members serve multiple functions: they provide the primary locking mechanism for child resistance, enable the depression-disengagement action for easy opening, and create the interlocking geometry that prevents accidental opening. By making the threaded members multi-functional, the design avoids adding separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high child resistance.
3Reliability
If interlocking teeth are added to prevent opening, then child resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking teeth are merged with the threaded member geometry rather than being separate components. The teeth are formed as integral features of the threaded members, combining the threading function with the interlocking prevention function. This merging approach maintains child resistance while simplifying manufacturing by reducing the number of parts and assembly steps.
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 easy for adults to open while preventing children from accessing the contents, offers a secure and airtight seal, and can be easily attached to surfaces, enhancing usability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic mechanism includes a magnet assembly in the lid and a corresponding magnetic assembly in the base
Implementation Method 2
The adhesive mechanism includes an adhesive assembly in the lid and a corresponding adhesive assembly in the base
Implementation Method 3
The locking mechanism has a first threaded member located on the top half of the device and a second corresponding threaded member on the bottom half of the device
Data Source
AI summary
A child resistant storage container is provided. The child resistant storage container has a housing having a top half, a bottom half and a generally hollow interior storage area. A locking mechanism temporarily secures the top half of the device to the bottom half of the device. The top half has a plurality of opposing teeth that allow the top half to be separated from the bottom half only when the locking teeth of the top half are engaged with each other. The interior of the child resistant storage container may be used to store items such as medications.