Flip-Top Child-Resistant Closure With Squeeze-Release Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closures do not effectively prevent children from accessing and opening products, posing a safety risk.
Innovation Solution
A child-resistant closure system featuring a flip-top cap and hinge mechanism, with deformable tabs that require a specific opening procedure to pivot away from the body, ensuring only users aware of the procedure can access the contents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple closure is used, then ease of operation is improved, but child resistance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The closure employs a dynamic hinge mechanism that allows the cap to pivot between closed and open positions. The hinge provides a defined pivot point while allowing controlled movement, creating a mechanism that is simple to operate yet resistant to unauthorized opening by children who cannot perform the specific squeezing and pivoting motion sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion, a flip-top cap, deformable tabs, and a hinge mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the tabs deform under squeezing force to release latches, while the hinge enables controlled pivoting - creating an effective child-resistant system that remains easy to operate for authorized users.
2Reliability
If a child-resistant mechanism is added, then child resistance is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The closure components serve multiple functions: the deformable tabs both secure the cap in the closed position through latch engagement and provide the release mechanism when squeezed; the hinge both connects the cap to the body and enables the pivoting motion required for opening. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, maintaining simplicity while achieving effective child resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch and release mechanisms are merged into the deformable tabs, which combine the securing function (when engaged with body latches) and the release function (when deformed by squeezing). The hinge merges the connection function and the pivoting mechanism into a single component, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining child-resistant functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A closure includes a body that is adapted to mate with a container, a flip-top cap coupled to the body, and a hinge interconnecting the body and the flip-top cap. The body is configured to be mounted onto container to cover a discharge outlet formed in the container. The flip-top cap is configured to protect a product-dispensing spout formed on the body and block a child, for example, from accessing the product dispensing spout and removing contents from the container.