Flexible Wall Nicotine Container for Child-Resistant Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nicotine pouch containers are not effectively child-resistant and are costly to produce.
Innovation Solution
A nicotine pouch container design featuring a body, lid, and flexible member that can be produced separately and assembled, with the flexible member blocking and revealing a gripping surface upon application of an inward force, requiring a specific force for opening that is beyond a child's capability but manageable for adults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional container designs are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but child-resistance capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into separate components: a body, a lid, and a flexible member. These parts can be manufactured independently using standard injection molding processes and then assembled, maintaining low manufacturing costs while enabling child-resistance functionality through the flexible member's blocking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible member (such as a flexible ring or membrane) is integrated into the container design to block access to the gripping surface. This flexible element can be pushed inward by adult force to reveal the gripping surface, while its flexibility and elastic recovery enable simple assembly and disassembly without complex mechanisms
2Reliability
If child-resistant mechanisms are added, then safety capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member serves as a simple yet effective child-resistance mechanism that blocks the gripping surface. Its elastic properties allow it to be pushed inward with sufficient force to reveal the gripping surface, then automatically return to its blocking position, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms or multiple components
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible member automatically returns to its blocking position after being pushed inward, using its own elastic recovery rather than requiring external actuation or complex mechanical returns. This self-service mechanism simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining safety functionality
3Reliability
If a flexible blocking member is used, then child-resistance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member's mechanical properties are optimized so that the force required to push it inward is within adult capability but exceeds child capability. The material selection and geometric design create a force threshold that provides child-resistance while allowing easy opening for adults who can apply sufficient force
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 provides a cost-effective, child-resistant nicotine pouch container that is easy for adults to open but difficult for children, ensuring safety and affordability.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible member is configured to flex towards the side wall of the body when an inwardly directed force is applied to the flexible member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6a
AI summary
A nicotine pouch container (1), use of the container and a method for manufacturing the same, which container comprises a body (11) and a lid (12) configured to engage the body (11). The body (11) comprises a bottom wall (111) and a sidewall (112). The lid (12) comprises a top wall (1221) and a lid side wall (1211) with a gripping surface (1213). The nicotine pouch container (1) further comprises a flexible member (14) being sized and configured to be assembled on the outside of the side wall (112) of the body (11) and configured to flex towards the side wall (112) of the body when an inwardly directed force is applied to the flexible member (14). The gripping surface (1213) of the lid side wall is blocked by the flexible member (14) in a first state, and revealed in a second state in which the inwardly directed force is applied to the flexible member (14).