Child Resistant Closure Diaphragm Scaling to Small Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional child resistant closures are not easily scalable for use on smaller containers, such as those with finish openings less than 20 mm, due to mechanical or living hinges and engagement systems that do not function effectively at reduced sizes, posing a challenge for regulatory compliance and safe operation.

Innovation Solution

A child resistant closure assembly featuring an inner closure member with a threaded portion and an outer closure member that includes a conical-shaped diaphragm, allowing for selective engagement and operationally disengaged positions, enabling safe and reliable use on small containers through a 'push down and turn' mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional child resistant closures with mechanical hinges and engagement systems are used, then child resistant functionality is achieved, but the closure cannot be easily scaled down for small containers with finish openings less than 20 mm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescalability to small containersVSAvoidmechanical hinge and engagement system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical hinges and complex engagement systems with a diaphragm-based spring mechanism. The diaphragm acts as both a sealing element and a spring that provides the necessary engagement force, eliminating the need for separate mechanical hinge components and reducing overall system complexity while enabling scaling to small container sizes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible diaphragm member that functions as both a seal and a spring mechanism. This thin film component provides the necessary mechanical engagement through its elastic deformation, replacing rigid mechanical hinges and enabling the closure to be scaled down for small containers while maintaining child resistant functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If traditional child resistant closures are used on large containers, then effective child resistant protection is provided, but the closure mechanism becomes too complex for small container applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechild resistant protectionVSAvoidengagement system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sealing function and the spring mechanism into a single diaphragm component. The diaphragm simultaneously provides the seal between the closure and container while its elastic properties provide the engagement force, eliminating the need for separate spring components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable child resistant protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The diaphragm member serves multiple functions: it acts as a seal, a spring, and an engagement mechanism all in one component. This multi-functionality reduces the number of parts needed and simplifies the overall closure design while maintaining effective child resistant protection across different container sizes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a safe and reliable child resistant closure for containers with small finish openings, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and effective operation on containers with openings as small as 13 mm, while also being adaptable for larger sizes.

Implementation Method 1

The diaphragm member is inwardly directed and contacts the inner closure member thereby biasing the outer closure member into an operationally disengaged position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10370161B2Child resistant tip closure assembly with diaphragm

Publication Date: 2019.08.06 AMCOR RIGID PACKAGING USA LLC

AI summary

A child resistant closure for use on a container that include an inner closure member having a threaded portion and an outer closure member coupled to the inner closure member for axial translation there between. A series of engagement features extend between the inner and outer closure to permit selective engagement of the outer closure to the inner closure to effect removal of the child resistant closure. The outer closure includes a diaphragm member disposed along the distal end surface of the outer closure. The diaphragm member is inwardly directed and contacts the inner closure member thereby biasing the outer closure member into an operationally disengaged position.