Child-Resistant Package With Sliding Inner Casing And Splitting Release Flap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child-resistant packages are either costly to produce or lose their child-resistant properties after repeated opening and re-closing, and there is a need for a simple, cost-effective solution that can be easily constructed from a single carton blank.
Innovation Solution
A child-resistant package design featuring an outer and inner casing with a locking mechanism and contacting bridges, where the inner casing is slidably arranged within the outer casing, and a release flap mechanism that splits the package upon first use, maintaining child-resistant properties through a latch-type locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a child-resistant package uses a complex locking mechanism to prevent immediate opening, then child-resistant properties are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The package is divided into an outer casing and an inner casing that can be separated. The locking mechanism is segmented into a locking button on the inner casing and a locking aperture on the outer casing, allowing the child-resistant function to be achieved through simple, distributed components rather than a complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner casing is nested within the outer casing, with the locking button positioned to engage with the locking aperture. This nested arrangement allows the locking mechanism to be compact and simple while maintaining effective child-resistant properties.
2Ease of operation
If a package is designed to be easily opened by adults, then ease of operation is improved, but child-resistant properties may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The release flap acts as an intermediary element that adults use to activate the locking mechanism. By pushing the release flap, adults can easily disengage the locking button from the locking aperture, while children cannot figure out how to manipulate this intermediate element to open the package.
3Reliability
If a package uses multiple components for locking mechanism, then child-resistant properties are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking button is formed integrally with the inner casing as a single piece, and the locking aperture is formed directly on the outer casing. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate locking parts, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining child-resistant functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-activating through the normal closing action of the package. When the inner casing is inserted into the outer casing, the locking button automatically engages with the locking aperture without requiring additional components or complex assembly steps.
4Reliability
If a package retains child-resistant properties after numerous openings, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking button is designed with resilient properties, allowing it to dynamically move between engaged and disengaged positions. This dynamic characteristic enables the simple locking mechanism to repeatedly engage and disengage while maintaining reliable child-resistant properties over numerous opening cycles.
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 is cost-effective to produce, retains child-resistant properties after multiple openings and closings, and can be easily constructed from a single carton blank, ensuring safety by preventing immediate opening.
Implementation Method 1
The locking button has a sufficient resilience such that it can be pushed down from an upper position to a lower position, and when no force is put on the locking button, it is again urged upwards.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a child-resistant package and to a package blank,such as a carton blank, useful for construction of a child-resistant package. The package comprises an outer casing and an inner casing arranged slidably within the outer casing and being movable between a closed position and an open position wherein immediate opening of the package from the closed position to the open position is prevented.