Detergent Container Lock with Alignment Marks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detergent containers face challenges in protecting the product from humidity-induced degradation while ensuring the lock is accessible to adult consumers and preventing accidental openings, particularly in cardboard containers which are recyclable but mechanically challenging.
Innovation Solution
A lock mechanism that reversibly maintains the cover in a closed position, allowing for multiple opening and closing operations, combined with alignment marks for correct locking and a resilient actuator that prevents accidental opening, and a container design that uses environmentally friendly materials like cardboard while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock mechanism is added to protect detergent from humidity, then protection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a resilient actuator element that engages with the cover, a separate locking element on the container, and an alignment mark system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient actuator automatically engages with the locking element when the cover is closed, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional mechanisms. The alignment mark system similarly provides self-guidance for proper positioning.
2Reliability
If a resilient actuator is used to prevent accidental opening, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient actuator is positioned locally at specific engagement points on the container, concentrating the locking function in discrete locations that are easily accessible to users. The alignment marks are similarly positioned at key locations to guide user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring users to actively secure the lid, the resilient actuator is designed to passively engage and lock automatically when the lid is closed, inverting the traditional locking approach and simplifying user interaction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cardboard material is used for recyclability, then environmental sustainability is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs composite construction combining cardboard material with integrated plastic locking and actuating components. This composite approach allows the cardboard to provide recyclability and basic structure, while the plastic elements provide the necessary mechanical strength for locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cardboard container incorporates localized reinforcement at critical stress points where the lock mechanism engages, maintaining overall recyclability while providing enhanced structural integrity specifically where needed for mechanical performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples include a consumer product comprising a detergent product and a container, the container comprising a box, a cover for the box, and a lock to reversibly maintain the cover in a closed position. The box comprises the detergent product, the box comprising a base, sidewalls and an opening, the cover comprising a top and flanks, the cover covering the opening and the cover covering at least a specific portion of a specific sidewall of the box when the cover is in the closed position. At least one of the flanks and sidewalls comprises an alignment mark coinciding with