Child-Resistant Tray and Case Package with Mechanical Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child-resistant packaging solutions fail to effectively prevent accidental opening by children while allowing easy access for adults, as they often rely on complex mechanisms that can be difficult for users to operate.
Innovation Solution
A child-resistant package design featuring a tray and case that can be moved between locked and unlocked positions, utilizing a mechanical stop mechanism involving a locking protrusion and pocket system, allowing the tray to be axially and transversely movable, ensuring the tray remains closed until intentionally unlocked by a user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex child-resistant mechanism is used, then child resistance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The package is divided into a case and a tray that can be separated. The tray is further segmented with a flange and locking features that interact with the case. This segmentation allows the child-resistant function to be localized to specific interaction points rather than requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire package structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The package employs dynamic locking features including a movable flange with locking protrusions that engage with recesses in the case. The locking mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states based on applied force, providing child resistance during normal conditions while allowing easy opening when sufficient force is applied by an adult.
2Ease of operation
If a simple opening mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but child resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism features asymmetric geometry with protrusions on the tray flange corresponding to recesses in the case. This asymmetric design creates a one-way locking action that is easy to engage but requires specific force application to disengage, providing child resistance while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange is pre-configured with locking protrusions that automatically engage with case recesses when the tray is inserted. This preliminary locking action occurs without requiring additional steps or complex mechanisms, providing immediate child resistance upon package assembly.
3Reliability
If multiple locking points are used, then child resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking functions are merged into a single integrated flange structure. The flange combines multiple locking protrusions, a breakable seal feature, and positioning elements all in one component that interacts with corresponding features in the case, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining multiple locking points.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing between the tray and case, creates multiple locking points through its protrusions, and includes a breakable portion for child-resistant opening. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A package with a selectively openable case and tray to selectively allow access to one or more compartments is disclosed.