Child Resistant Package With Segmented Storage And Multi-Step Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current containers for products like tobacco and gum do not effectively manage waste disposal, as they can be moist and sticky, making direct pocket storage undesirable, and lack child-resistant features to prevent accidental opening by children.
Innovation Solution
A container design with multiple storage cavities and a multi-step opening mechanism, featuring a lid connected to a first container body via a hinge and a second container body via another hinge, with a latch system that requires angular torque to open, providing child-resistant access and separate compartments for used and unused products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single storage container is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to separately store used and unused products is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two separate storage compartments: a first storage compartment for unused products and a second storage compartment for used products. This segmentation allows the container to fulfill multiple storage functions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Reliability
If a simple opening mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but child-resistant protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs a two-step opening mechanism where the lid must first be pressed axially to disengage latches before rotational twisting can occur. This preliminary action (axial pressing) must be performed before the final opening action (rotational twisting), creating a child-resistant barrier while still allowing easy opening for adults who can perform both steps sequentially.
3Reliability
If a multi-step opening process is implemented, then child-resistant protection is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The opening mechanism transitions from a static single-action design to a dynamic multi-action sequence. The lid requires axial pressing to disengage latches, followed by rotational twisting to open. This dynamic sequence of actions provides child-resistant protection while remaining operationally simple for adults who can perform the steps in order.
4Loss of substance
If waste is stored in a separate compartment, then the loss of substance is reduced (preventing stickiness and moisture issues), but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into two distinct storage compartments: one for unused products and one for used waste. This segmentation prevents used products from contaminating unused ones, addressing moisture and stickiness issues while maintaining a simple overall container structure that does not require complex additional components.
Data Source
AI summary
A container including a lid, a first body, a second body and a latch is provided. The first body connects to the lid by a first hinge for pivoting between a lid closed position and a lid open position. The first body defines a storage cavity. The second body connects to the first body by a second hinge for pivoting the first body relative to the second body between a first body closed position and a first body open position. The second body defines a storage cavity. The latch is attached to the second body. The latch is transitionable between a latched position in which the latch engages the lid and prevents transitioning either the lid or the first body to the corresponding open positions.