Cigarette Pack Sliding Locking Mechanism for Child-Proof Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid packs with sliding openings for cigarettes are prone to unintentional opening, especially when carried in large bags or handled by children, leading to spilling and lack of 'child-proof' security, as existing locking systems can be easily unlocked without applying specific force or torque.
Innovation Solution
A pack design featuring a locking system with an abutment element and wings that requires a deliberate sequence of movements to open, including the use of stop tabs and a hinge mechanism to prevent complete extraction of the inner container, ensuring the pack remains closed unless intentionally opened by a user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking system with abutment element and wings is provided in the pack, then the pack can prevent unintentional opening and achieve child-proof security, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is nested within the existing container structure, where the abutment element and wings are integrated into the container walls rather than being separate external components. The wings are formed as integral parts of the container, and the abutment element is positioned within the container's structural framework, allowing the locking function to be achieved without adding significant external complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system operates automatically through the interaction between the abutment element and wings. When the container is closed, the wings engage with the abutment element to lock the pack. The system self-activates through the closing motion itself, requiring no separate locking action from the user, and automatically unlocks when the container is opened, eliminating the need for additional control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a locking system is arranged at the side walls to prevent opening, then child-proof security is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the locking system can be easily unlocked during simple handling or compression
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is positioned at specific locations within the container structure where the abutment element and wings are arranged to engage only under deliberate opening actions. The local structural design ensures that normal handling forces and compression do not trigger the unlocking mechanism, while still allowing easy opening when the user intentionally pulls the container apart.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring active engagement to lock and passive engagement to unlock, the system is inverted so that the default closed position is automatically locked through the abutment element and wings engagement. Unlocking occurs passively when the container is pulled apart, reversing the traditional lock/unlock paradigm to prevent unintentional opening during handling while maintaining ease of intentional opening.
3Ease of operation
If the inner container can slide freely between closed and open positions, then the ease of operation is improved for adult users, but the reliability deteriorates as the pack becomes prone to accidental opening when carried in bags or pockets
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is engaged in advance during the closing operation, where the abutment element and wings automatically lock the container in the closed position before the user even attempts to open it. This preliminary locking action ensures that subsequent handling, carrying, or compression cannot accidentally open the pack, while the locking mechanism remains ready to release immediately when the user intentionally pulls the container apart.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A pack (1) for smoking articles comprising: a group (2) of smoking articles housed in an inner container (4); an outer container (5), which houses on the inside and in a sliding manner, the inner container (4); and a locking system (28). The locking system (28) comprises: an abutment element (29), which is integral with the outer container (5) and is arranged inside the same; a first wing (30) which is integral with the inner container (4) is movable relative thereto so as to be arranged in abutment against the abutment element (29) of the outer container (5) when the inner container (4) is in a closed position, thus preventing the inner container (4) from sliding from the closed position to an open position; and a second wing (31) which is obtained on the outer container (5) and is movable relative to the same so as to be pressed inwards and, hence, move the underlying first wing (30) accordingly in order to release the first wing (30) abutting against the abutment element (29) and, by so doing, allow the inner container (4) to slide from the closed position to the open position.