Flexible-Member Package Lock for Child-Resistant Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packages lack effective mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access, particularly by children and the elderly, especially in ensuring complex motions are required to open them.

Innovation Solution

A package design featuring a flexible member with an elbow connecting two segments, including a first segment attached to the lid and a second segment with a contact structure, where the second segment is retained by an engaging structure on the base when the lid is closed, allowing the flexible member to articulate and disengage with a spring force when a specific force is applied, enabling the lid to open with a different force direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a simple locking mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security against unauthorized access deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of openingVSAvoidsecurity against unauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism uses a flexible member with an elbow that can dynamically change its configuration between locked and unlocked states. The flexible member articulates from a first configuration (locked) to a second configuration (unlocked) when force is applied, providing both security and ease of operation through dynamic movement rather than static components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism changes the physical state of the flexible member from a constrained first configuration to an articulated second configuration. This parameter change in the flexible member's shape and position enables the locking and unlocking functionality, allowing the system to transition between secure and accessible states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a complex locking mechanism is used, then the security against unauthorized access is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against unauthorized accessVSAvoidease of opening

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: a flexible member with first and second segments connected by an elbow, a contact structure on the second segment, and an engaging structure on the base. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together to provide both security and operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible member acts as an intermediary between the user's applied force and the locking engagement. When force is applied to the contact structure, the flexible member articulates and disengages the locking mechanism, translating the user's simple pushing motion into the complex action of unlocking, thereby maintaining ease of operation while ensuring security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a single-direction force mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the complexity of motion required to open deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of opening motionVSAvoidcomplexity of motion required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanism requires the lid to be opened by applying force in a direction different from the closing direction. The flexible member dynamically responds to this force by articulating from its first configuration to its second configuration, enabling the lid to open with a simple force application in the correct direction while maintaining child-resistant properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 design requires a complex motion involving different force directions to open, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized access, meeting child-resistant standards and ensuring secure closure.

Implementation Method 1

the second segment extends in an outward direction, away from the first segment due to a spring force from the elbow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the elbow is made from a resilient material, the elbow providing a spring force that causes the second segment to extend away from the first segment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250333220A1Package with locking mechanism including flexible member having engaging structure between elbow and front surface of contact structure

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLC

AI summary

The package includes a base, a primary lid connected to an upper portion of the base via a first hinge, the primary lid and the base collectively defining a primary storage area when the primary lid is in a closed position, and a locking mechanism on a first end of the package, the locking mechanism including a flexible member including a first segment and a second segment that are connected by an elbow, the first segment being connected to the primary lid, a distal end of the second segment including at least one contact structure, the flexible member including at least one first engaging structure between the elbow and a front surface of the at least one contact structure, a second engaging structure on a first wall of the base, the flexible member being in a first position when the primary lid is in the closed position.