Dual-Locking Closure Mechanism for Child-Resistant Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure devices for containers with active substances are prone to unintentional opening due to external forces, posing safety concerns, especially for children, while also being difficult to open intentionally.
Innovation Solution
A closure device with a cover and frame featuring two locking means, where the second locking means includes a pressure surface and a counter-pressure surface to facilitate intentional opening by opposing forces, ensuring the lid can be securely held in a closed position until intended to be opened, using a combination of holding forces and a pivoting mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the closure device uses a single locking means, then it is easy to open, but it is prone to unintentional opening due to external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is divided into two independent locking means (first and second locking means) that operate separately. Each locking means has its own cover section and frame section that can be opened independently, allowing the device to maintain high reliability against unintentional opening while keeping each individual locking mechanism simple and easy to operate
2Reliability
If the closure device uses multiple locking means arranged independently, then it provides protection against unintentional opening, but it becomes difficult to open
Solution Approach 1:
The two locking means are merged into a single integrated closure device structure where both locking mechanisms work together within the same device. The cover sections and frame sections are coordinated so that opening one locking means assists in opening the other, making the overall opening process easier while maintaining dual-locking protection
3Reliability
If the closure device uses a dual-locking mechanism with pressure and counter-pressure surfaces, then it enhances protection against unintentional opening, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure surface and counter-pressure surface are implemented as localized features on specific parts of the cover and frame sections rather than complex mechanisms throughout the device. These localized surfaces create friction and mechanical interference that secure the closed position without requiring elaborate structural additions
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A closure device (10) comprises an opening-defining frame (20), an opening-covering hinged lid (30) and a first closing means (40) as well as at least one second closing means (50), which is spaced apart from the first closing means (40). The closing means each have a lid portion (41, 51) and a frame portion (42, 52), wherein the first closing means (40) can be opened by the associated frame portion (42) being manipulated and the second closing means (50) can be opened by the associated lid portion (51) being manipulated. The lid portion (51) of the second closing means (50) has a pressure-exerting surface and a counter-pressure surface, wherein the pressure-exerting surface serves as an abutment surface for a first retaining force and the counter-pressure surface serves as an abutment surface for a second retaining force, counter to the first, wherein the lid portion (51) can be fixed by the retaining forces such that a pivoting force acting substantially transversely to the retaining forces can be introduced into the lid portion (51), via the pressure-exerting surface and counter-pressure surface, in order for the lid (30) to be pivoted out of the closed position.