Childproof Closing Cap for Dosing Pumps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dosing pumps in liquid containers, particularly those with medicinal products, lack effective childproof closures that are simple to manufacture, install, and operate while also protecting the actuating head from damage.

Innovation Solution

A childproof closing cap system comprising a sleeve-like bottom part and a cap-like top part with locking mechanisms, including obliquely angled claws, locking edges, latch bosses, and a resilient locking arm, which can be fitted to existing dosing pumps without modification, providing a secure closure that is slightly more difficult for children to open while protecting the actuating head.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a childproof closure is implemented, then child safety is improved, but ease of operation for adults deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechild safetyVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closing cap employs a resilient locking arm that can dynamically change its state between locked and unlocked positions. The locking arm is designed to be deflectable, allowing it to engage with locking edges during normal operation while permitting intentional unlocking by adults through sufficient force application. This dynamic characteristic enables the system to provide robust childproof protection while remaining operable by adults who can overcome the resilient force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The closing mechanism utilizes parameter changes in the form of mechanical force thresholds. The resilient locking arm requires a specific force level to deflect and disengage from the locking edges. This force threshold is calibrated to be exceeded by adult hands but not by children, creating a clear operational distinction that maintains both child safety and adult accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a complex locking mechanism is used, then child safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechild safetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closing cap is segmented into distinct functional components: a bottom part that integrates with the dosing pump, a top part that forms the cap, and a resilient locking arm that provides the securing function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing and assembly while maintaining effective childproof protection through the coordinated interaction of these simple parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient locking arm provides self-service functionality by automatically engaging with the locking edges when the closing cap is assembled and maintaining the locked state without requiring additional components or complex mechanisms. The elastic nature of the locking arm provides continuous engagement force, eliminating the need for separate springs, latches, or control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a protective cap is added, then actuating head protection is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuating head protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function and the childproof closure function are merged into a single integrated closing cap assembly. The cap simultaneously protects the actuating head from damage and provides childproof protection through its resilient locking mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate protective covers and closure systems, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The closing cap serves multiple functions: it protects the actuating head from physical damage, provides childproof closure of the container, and maintains the sealed environment. By designing a single component that fulfills all these requirements, the invention avoids the complexity of multiple separate parts while achieving comprehensive protection and functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8544694B2Closing cap for a discharge head
Publication Date: 2013.10.01 SILGAN DISPENSING SYST HEMER GMBH
  • US8544694B2 patent drawing
  • US8544694B2 patent drawing
  • US8544694B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A closing cap for a discharge head of a medium container, having a bottom part having locking edges and a latch boss, the bottom part fastened to a container neck and detachably latched to a top part having a rim portion which overlaps the bottom part and has locking edges which can be brought into engagement with the locking edges of the top part, as well as a locking arm, having a locking edge, which can be latched behind a latch boss.