Child-Resistant Fixture Lock with Deformable Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock systems fail to effectively prevent young children from accessing receptacles in fixtures while allowing caregivers to do so easily, as they lack a mechanism to distinguish between operative and non-operative lock actuators.
Innovation Solution
A child-resistant access-control unit is integrated into the lock system, featuring a concealed operative movable lock actuator and a visible non-operative DECOY lock-actuator button, where the non-operative button is designed to be movable but ineffective, while the operative actuator is hidden and only accessible to caregivers through a deformable force-transmission section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional lock system with visible actuators is used, then children can easily identify and operate the lock, but this fails to prevent unauthorized access by children
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a deceptive copy of the lock actuator in the form of a movable decoy button that resembles the real actuator but is non-functional. This copy confuses children into believing it is the operational element, preventing them from successfully unlocking the device while maintaining the appearance of a simple interface
Solution Approach 2:
The lock actuator is segmented into two distinct functional components: a non-operative visible decoy button for child confusion and a concealed operative actuator for genuine locking/unlocking. This segmentation separates the deceptive visual element from the functional mechanical element, allowing children to interact with the harmless copy while the real mechanism remains protected
2Reliability
If the lock actuator is concealed to prevent child access, then child resistance improves, but caregivers cannot easily operate the lock
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable force-transmission section acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates caregiver input applied to the accessible exterior surface into actuation of the concealed operative lock actuator. This intermediary allows the real actuator to remain hidden while still being operable through the deformable section that transmits force from the exterior surface to the concealed mechanism
3Reliability
If dummy buttons are added to confuse children, then child resistance improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the decoy button functionality with the force-transmission mechanism by making the decoy button itself part of the deformable force-transmission section. This integration allows the decoy to serve dual purposes: confusing children visually while also being part of the structural element that transmits force to the real actuator, thereby reducing overall complexity
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 system effectively blocks access to children while allowing caregivers to unlock the lock unit, ensuring the receptacle remains secure from unauthorized access by children while being easily operable by trained caregivers.
Implementation Method 1
A force-transmission section of the lock-actuator mask adjacent to the concealed operative movable latch actuator is made of a deformable elastic material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A~1G
Figure 1H~1I
AI summary
A fixture lock is provided to lock two movable parts of a fixture so that one part may not be moved relative to another part to gain access to a receptacle formed in the fixture. The fixture lock could be used to lock a cabinet drawer in a closed position in a cabinet base to block access to a storage region formed in the cabinet drawer.