Water-Soluble Dose Container Pinch-Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers with locking mechanisms for water-soluble unit dose articles are prone to damage during transport and are difficult for consumers to open comfortably, while also not effectively preventing access by children.
Innovation Solution
A container design with a locking mechanism that requires a 'pinching motion' to disengage, keeping the lid closed and reducing damage during transport, and is intuitive and comfortable for consumers to operate, with the locking mechanism located on the inner surface to prevent accidental opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking means is located on the front outer surface of the container, then it is easily accessible and intuitive for consumers to operate, but it is prone to damage during transport due to adjacent containers hitting or rubbing against it
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is relocated from the front outer surface to the upper peripheral edge of the container, changing its spatial dimension. This relocation moves the locking mechanism from a vulnerable front-facing position to a more protected upper edge position, reducing exposure to damage during transport while maintaining operational accessibility.
2Reliability
If the locking means is relocated to the top of the container wall, then damage during transport is reduced, but it becomes difficult for consumers to disengage as it requires pushing the wall component away while simultaneously lifting the lid
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed with dynamic interaction between the lid component and wall component. The lid component features a hook that engages with the wall component, and disengagement is achieved through a lifting motion that dynamically releases the hook from the wall component, making operation easier than pushing while lifting.
3Ease of operation
If the locking means is located on the front outer surface, then children can easily locate it to access contents, but this reduces child safety
Solution Approach 1:
Relocating the locking means to the upper peripheral edge of the container places it in a position that is less accessible to young children while remaining reachable for adult consumers. This dimensional relocation enhances child safety by reducing accidental access while preserving operational ease for intended users.
4Reliability
If the locking means requires pushing the wall component away while lifting the lid, then it can keep the lid securely closed, but it creates an awkward and uncomfortable operation for consumers
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses a dynamic hook engagement system where the lid component's hook engages with the wall component during normal closure, providing secure lid closure. For opening, users simply lift the lid which dynamically releases the hook engagement, eliminating the need for awkward pushing motions while maintaining closure security.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A packaging for water-soluble unit dose articles (3) and packages comprising water-soluble unit dose articles (3).