Dual-Actuator Child-Resistant Container Release Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing child-resistant containers are often complex and costly, particularly when designed for non-cylindrical shapes, and fail to effectively prevent children from opening them due to intricate mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A clamshell-like container design with hingedly coupled pieces and a dual-actuator release mechanism that requires simultaneous depression of both actuators to open, preventing accidental opening by children, while being cost-effective and adaptable to non-cylindrical shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex mechanisms are used to achieve child-resistant functionality, then the container can prevent children from opening it, but the manufacturing cost and assembly cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechild-resistant functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into a body portion and a lid portion that can be separately manufactured and then assembled. The release mechanism is integrated into the lid portion, allowing it to be produced as a single piece with the lid, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining child-resistant functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The release mechanism is merged with the lid portion, combining the lid closure function and the child-resistant release function into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate complex mechanisms and reduces assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If complex mechanisms with many parts are used, then the container can achieve child-resistant functionality, but the mechanism may fail over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechild-resistant functionalityVSAvoidmechanism durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The release mechanism uses spring-loaded actuators that automatically return to their original position after being depressed. The springs provide automatic reset functionality without requiring additional components or complex control systems, enhancing durability while maintaining child-resistant operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If simple container designs are used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the container cannot provide effective child-resistant functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidchild-resistant functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The release mechanism incorporates spring-loaded actuators that dynamically respond to user input. When both actuators are depressed simultaneously, the springs compress and allow the lid to open. The springs automatically reset the mechanism after opening, providing dynamic child-resistant functionality without complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If intricate release mechanisms are used, then the container can prevent children from opening it, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechild-resistant functionalityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11542076B2Container

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 KOLETO INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

Various embodiments of child-resistant containers are described which have a release that requires two portions to be simultaneously depressed in order to release the latches and allow the container to be opened. The release may be formed of two pieces coupled to each other and the housing by a fastener, where one of the pieces acts as a spring to bias the release or its actuators in a first position.