Childproof Container Collar With Actuated Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing childproof containers require significant pressure and the use of two hands to open, which can be difficult for adults, especially the elderly or those with arthritis, limiting their ability to access medications.
Innovation Solution
A childproof container design featuring a collar with integrated safety features such as tabs or buttons that must be actuated to slide the collar away from the cap, allowing single-handed operation and tamper evidence, enabling easy access without needing to apply significant pressure or use both hands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If significant pressure is applied to actuate the cap, then childproof security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for adults with mobility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The opening action is segmented into two distinct steps: first actuating the safety feature (button or tabs), then rotating the cap. This separates the high-force requirement from the final opening motion, allowing adults to use minimal force during rotation after the safety feature has been engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety feature (button or tabs) must be actuated before the cap can be rotated open. This preliminary action prepares the cap for easy rotation by disengaging the collar's blocking mechanism, so that the subsequent opening motion requires minimal force.
2Reliability
If two hands are used to open the container, then childproof security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for single-handed users
Solution Approach 1:
The safety feature actuation and cap rotation functions are merged into a single-hand operation sequence. The user can press the button or manipulate the tabs with fingers of one hand, then immediately rotate the cap with the same hand, eliminating the need to transfer the container between hands.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap design allows the same hand that actuates the safety feature to also perform the rotation operation. The collar and cap are configured so that once the safety feature is engaged, the cap can be rotated by the fingers of the same hand without requiring a second hand to stabilize the container.
3Reliability
If a collar is added to impede access to the cap, then tamper evidence is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the safety feature mounting structure, creates the tamper-evident barrier, and guides the cap rotation motion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components that would otherwise be required to achieve each of these functions independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety features (buttons or tabs) are integrated within or on the collar structure, which itself is nested around the cap. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple protective and functional elements into a compact, space-efficient configuration that minimizes overall structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A childproof container apparatus, system and method. The apparatus, system and method may include a container body having therewithin a cavity; a cap capable of providing access to the cavity when opened; a collar about the container body and capable of impeding access to the cap; and at least one safety feature suitable, upon actuation, to allow the collar to slide to remove the impedance to accessing the cap. The container may further include a tamper evidencing feature at least partially physically associated with the cap. The at least one safety feature may include a plurality of tabs, or one or more buttons.