Child-Resistant Concentrate Cartridge with Tool-Actuated Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing containers for multi-constituent systems do not effectively prevent accidental opening by children or adults without the use of specific equipment, posing a risk with potentially hazardous fluids.
Innovation Solution
A container system featuring a concentrate cartridge with a hollow tube recessed within an annular collar and a closure cap with a collar and internal threads, which requires a specially designed tool to open, ensuring a fluid-tight seal and preventing accidental release of concentrated materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional dispensing container with a simple closure mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but child safety is worsened as children can easily open it
Solution Approach 1:
A specialized opening tool acts as an intermediary between the user and the closure cap. The tool engages with the closure cap's opening mechanism and applies the necessary force to break the child-resistant seal, allowing authorized users to open the container while preventing children from doing so manually
Solution Approach 2:
The closure cap incorporates a child-resistant mechanism that changes the operational parameters for opening. It requires specific actions (inserting the tool, rotating, pressing) that transform the simple opening operation into a multi-step process that children cannot perform but adults can with the proper tool
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a child-resistant closure mechanism is implemented, then child safety is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented into distinct functional components: the closure cap with integrated child-resistant mechanism, the specialized opening tool, and the cartridge assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The opening tool is merged with the cartridge design, where the tool is inserted through the cartridge body to access and operate the closure cap. This merging eliminates the need for a completely separate tool while maintaining the child-resistant functionality
3Reliability
If a fluid-tight seal is ensured between the cartridge and container, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The closure cap and cartridge are pre-assembled with their sealing surfaces and sealing elements positioned and pre-compressed before final installation in the container. This preliminary action ensures proper seal alignment and reduces the complexity of achieving a fluid-tight seal during final assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A reusable concentrate cartridge adapted to be supported by a diluting and dispensing container for combining at least two separate components of a multi-component system, the concentrate cartridge having a hollow cylindrical element and a hollow tube with a closure portion. The concentrate cartridge is caused to open by the rotating engagement of a closure cap onto the diluting and dispensing container to which causes the closure portion of the hollow tube to disengage, releasing the concentrate material.