Dual Locking Mechanism Package for Child-Resistant Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions fail to effectively prevent children and the elderly from accessing and ingesting substances contained within, as they do not provide sufficient resistance to opening, leading to safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A package design featuring a primary lid connected to a base via a hinge, with dual locking mechanisms that include flexible structures and engaging structures, requiring complex motions and forces to open, ensuring child-resistant access while allowing adult access with ease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple locking mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of preventing unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent components: a first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism, each with their own arms and engaging structures. This segmentation allows the package to require multiple discrete actions to open, maintaining high reliability while keeping each individual locking element simple and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the opening process by requiring sequential activation of multiple locking mechanisms. The package transitions from a static single-state lock to a dynamic multi-state system, where the lid must pass through intermediate positions (partially open) before fully opening, adding complexity to the opening sequence without complicating individual components.
2Device complexity
If a single locking mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing accidental opening deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking mechanisms (first and second locking mechanisms with respective arms and engaging structures) into a unified package system. This merging of multiple simple locking features creates a compound security system that maintains low individual component complexity while achieving high overall reliability for preventing accidental opening by children or elderly persons.
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 package design significantly reduces the risk of accidental opening by children and the elderly, meeting safety standards by requiring specific motions and forces to open, while allowing adults to easily access the contents.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible structure being in a relaxed position when the primary lid is in the closed position, the first engaging structure being retained by the second engaging structure to lock the primary lid onto the base in the closed position, the flexible structure configured to move from the relaxed position to a flexed position to disengage the second engaging structure from the first engaging structure when a first force is applied
Data Source
AI summary
The package includes a base, a primary lid connected to the base via a first hinge, the primary lid and the base defining a primary storage area when the primary lid is in a closed position, a first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism. The first and second locking mechanisms each including an arm with a first engaging structure, the arm being connected to the primary lid, and a flexible structure including a contact structure and at least one attachment member, the at least one attachment member attaching the contact structure to the base, the contact structure including a second engaging structure on a surface of the contact structure, the flexible structure being in a relaxed position when the primary lid is in the closed position, the first engaging structure being retained by the second engaging structure to lock the primary lid onto the base in the closed position.