Dual-Mode Closure Assembly with Rotating Lid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child-resistant closure devices for containers are difficult for older or disabled persons with limited dexterity to manipulate, as they require cap removal and re-attachment or inversion to switch between child-resistant and easy-open configurations.
Innovation Solution
A container assembly with a lid that can be rotated 180° between a child-resistant and adult configuration without detachment, using a skirt and lid connection assembly that allows movement about a first pivot axis and rotation about a second axis, with latching structure for secure closure in the child-resistant mode and no latching in the adult mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a child-resistant closure device is used to prevent access to containers, then safety for children is improved, but difficulty of operation by older or disabled persons increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure assembly allows dynamic switching between child-resistant and adult configurations through rotation of the closure relative to the container. The lid can be rotated 180 degrees to change the engagement orientation of the latching member with the latching flange, transforming the device from a fixed child-resistant state to an easy-open adult state, thereby resolving the contradiction between child safety and ease of operation for different user groups
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the closure device by rotating it to different angular positions. In the first orientation, the latching member engages with the latching flange to provide child-resistant security. When rotated 180 degrees, the engagement geometry changes to allow easy opening by adults. This parameter change (rotation angle) enables the same device to serve both child safety and adult accessibility requirements
2Ease of operation
If a convertible closure device is provided to allow switching between child-resistant and easy-open configurations, then ease of operation for adults is improved, but device complexity increases due to required cap removal and re-attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the lid and closure assembly into a single integrated unit that rotates together as one component. The lid is rotatably coupled to the closure assembly such that when the closure rotates relative to the container, the lid rotates with it. This combining eliminates the need for separate removal and re-attachment operations, reducing the complexity of configuration switching while maintaining adult accessibility
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lid is detached from the container to reverse configuration, then adaptability between modes is achieved, but loss of the lid may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is permanently integrated with the closure assembly through rotational coupling, creating a unified component that moves together. This merging ensures the lid cannot be accidentally lost during configuration changes, as it remains attached to the closure assembly throughout the rotation process, while still allowing the integrated unit to switch between child-resistant and adult configurations
4Reliability
If a latching structure is provided for child-resistant mode, then child safety is improved, but ease of opening for adults deteriorates when latching is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the latching mechanism's function by rotating the closure 180 degrees. In the child-resistant orientation, the latching member engages with the latching flange to provide secure closure. When inverted (rotated 180 degrees), the engagement geometry is reversed, causing the latching mechanism to disengage and allowing easy opening by adults. This inversion allows the same latching structure to provide both security and ease of opening depending on orientation
Data Source
AI summary
Dual-mode container assemblies (30, 110) are provided which include an open-top container (32, 112) with a closure assembly (34, 114) having a skirt (36, 116) and a reversible lid (38, 118) presenting first and second opposed faces (82, 84, 160, 162) hingedly coupled to the skirt (36, 116). In the child-resistant configuration of the assemblies (30, 110), the lid (38, 118) is latched to the skirt (36, 116) by a latching arrangement (60, 100, 136, 177). In order to convert the container assemblies (30, 110) to an adult configuration, the lid (38, 118) is opened and rotated 180° while the lid (38, 118) remains connected to the skirt (36, 116). This reverses the lid face adjacent the open top of the container (32, 112). Closure of the reversed lid (38, 118) occurs without any latching function between the skirt (36, 116) and the lid (38, 118), so that the lid (38, 118) can be readily opened. The connection between the lid (38, 118) and skirt (36, 116) can be effected by hinged connection of rear segment (64) and rotational coupling of a forward reversible body (75), or by a ball joint connection between a ball (170) and ball mount (150). In either case, the lid (38, 118) is moveable about respective transverse axes to permit changeover between the child-resistant and adult configurations of the container assemblies (30, 110).