Child-Resistant Flip-Top Closure With Actuation Button
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flip-top closures with child-resistant features are difficult to implement for bottles, as they cannot be twisted to unlock tabs, and often complicate opening for individuals with limited dexterity, such as those with arthritic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A child-resistant flip-top closure design featuring a vertically extending locking tab with an actuation button and barrier walls that require a specific sequence of presses and pivots to open, incorporating complementary sloped surfaces for interlocking and a hinge attachment to the base, ensuring secure closure and easy access for adults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If child-resistant locking mechanism is added to flip-top closure, then child safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into separate functional elements: a locking tab with locking lip, an actuation button, and barrier walls. This segmentation allows the child-resistant feature to be integrated into the flip-top closure without requiring a complete redesign of the entire closure system, maintaining ease of operation while improving child safety
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation button serves as an intermediary element between the user and the locking mechanism. It provides a larger, more accessible target for users with limited dexterity to press, while simultaneously engaging the locking lip to prevent children from opening the closure. The button mediates between the need for child resistance and ease of operation
2Reliability
If locking tab with locking lip is used, then security against child access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tab, locking lip, actuation button, and barrier walls are merged into a single integrated closure structure. The tab is formed as one piece with the lid, and the button is attached through a connecting rib, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The locking tab serves multiple functions: it provides the locking engagement through the locking lip, connects to the actuation button for user operation, and integrates with the lid structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining security
3Reliability
If barrier walls are added around actuation button, then child resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier walls are merged with the base structure of the closure, forming an integrated component. This allows the barrier walls to be manufactured as part of the base molding process, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing steps or assembly operations, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while improving child resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A child-resistant flip-top closure including a base for engaging a container and a lid is hingedly attached to the base. A child-resistant locking mechanism inhibits opening of the flip-top closure. The mechanism includes at least one locking tab extending vertically upward from a portion of the lid and terminating in a locking lip. An actuation button is attached to the tab though a connecting rib so that the button is positioned laterally to the side of the tab. At least one barrier wall located adjacent to the actuation button, the barrier wall formed integral with the base and extending upward. The barrier wall includes a locking ledge formed on a rear side of the wall. The locking ledge is configured to engage the locking lip of the tab so as to provide an interlock between the lid and the base.