Child Resistant Package Sequential Tab Access Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child-resistant drug packaging designs often rely on a single layer of protection, which can be easily compromised if damaged, and may inadvertently facilitate access to multiple dosage compartments, posing a risk of accidental ingestion.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered child-resistant package design requiring a series of sequential steps to access the dosage, featuring a blister layer, inner and outer backing layers with separate access and lock tabs, and a rupturable lidding layer, ensuring that each step must be completed in a specific order to open the package.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single layer of protection is used in child-resistant packaging, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of child resistance deteriorates because the package can be easily compromised if damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging structure is divided into multiple independent layers: a blister layer containing the dosage form, a seal layer hermetically sealing the blister, a backing layer providing structural support, and a child-resistant lid with interlocking features. Each layer provides a separate barrier, so if one layer is compromised, the others maintain protection
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging employs a nested multi-layer construction where the blister layer is enclosed within the seal layer, which is in turn enclosed within the backing layer and lid assembly. This nested structure ensures that each layer protects the contents independently, maintaining reliability even if outer layers are damaged
2Ease of operation
If perforations extend to the outer edge of the package to facilitate tab removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the child resistance reliability deteriorates because it becomes easier for children to manipulate the outer edge and access the contents
Solution Approach 1:
The perforations are strategically positioned only in specific local areas of the lid and backing layer, not extending to the outer edges. The perforations are confined to defined zones that allow controlled separation of specific tab portions while maintaining the integrity of the outer package structure, preventing children from manipulating edge access
3Reliability
If a single pull tab is used for access, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of child resistance deteriorates because there is only one line of defense before gaining access to the substance
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into multiple separate tabs (first tab, second tab, third tab) that must be sequentially removed to access the contents. Each tab is independently secured to the backing layer and must be deliberately removed in sequence, creating multiple independent barriers that a child must overcome one by one
4Ease of operation
If the package requires bending to activate the pull tab mechanism, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because bending the package may damage the single layer of protection
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into multiple tabs that can be removed sequentially without requiring package bending. Each tab has its own removal mechanism that operates independently, eliminating the need to bend the package and thereby protecting the integrity of the blister and seal layers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~6
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A child resistant drug package. The package includes a blister layer (110) having at least one blister and a plurality of backing layers (122, 128) covering the blister. The backing layers include tabs that require sequential removal in order to gain access to the contents of the blister.