Child Resistant Lockable Container with Foam Button Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lockable containers are often complex and difficult to access, especially for adults, and lack a simple, cost-effective configuration for small rectangular prism shapes, failing to prevent accidental opening by children or pets.
Innovation Solution
A lockable container design featuring a tray and sleeve with a foam insert and button mechanism that allows easy transition between locked and unlocked positions, using a button that can be depressed against the foam insert to unlock the tray, and a stopping mechanism to prevent complete removal unless excessive force is applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to a container to prevent accidental opening by children or pets, then safety is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into discrete components: a button element, a foam insert, and a tray with aligned holes. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The button presses through the foam to engage or disengage the locking state, creating a modular system that is easier to manufacture and assemble than integrated locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The button is nested within the foam insert, which is itself nested within the container structure. When the button is pressed, it travels through the foam to engage the locking mechanism. This nested arrangement allows the locking mechanism to be compact and integrated into the container without adding external complexity, while still providing effective child resistance.
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to secure container contents, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The button element is extracted as a separate, easily graspable component that can be independently manipulated by users. This extraction allows adults to quickly access contents by simply pressing the button, without needing to manipulate complex latches or locks. The button serves as a simple interface that extracts the essential locking function from the overall container structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam insert changes its compression parameter in response to button pressure. When the button is pressed, the foam compresses to allow the button to engage or disengage the locking mechanism. This parameter change in the foam provides a tactile feedback mechanism that helps users understand the locking state without requiring complex indicators or multiple manipulation steps.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple locking mechanism is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability against child access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The button, foam insert, and locking mechanism are merged into a single integrated system where the button's linear motion through the foam directly engages the locking state. This merging eliminates the need for separate locking components, reducing manufacturing steps and assembly complexity while maintaining effective child resistance through the coordinated action of the integrated elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The button serves multiple functions: it acts as a user interface for locking and unlocking, provides tactile feedback through the foam compression, and directly engages the locking mechanism. This multi-functionality allows a single simple component to provide both ease of manufacture and reliable child access prevention, eliminating the need for additional specialized locking parts.
4Reliability
If a stop mechanism is added to prevent complete tray removal, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop mechanism is pre-positioned within the container structure to automatically engage when the tray is pulled to a certain extent. This preliminary positioning means the stop mechanism requires no active control or additional components during operation—it simply provides a predetermined mechanical barrier that prevents complete tray removal, enhancing safety without adding operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop mechanism serves itself by being passively engaged through the natural motion of the tray during opening or removal attempts. It requires no external actuation, control systems, or additional power sources. The mechanism automatically provides its safety function through the mechanical interaction between the tray and the stop, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
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 container is easily opened by adults while being resistant to accidental opening by children or pets, and is cost-effective to manufacture, providing a simple and secure locking mechanism for small rectangular prism shapes.
Implementation Method 1
The button and foam insert are designed so that the button may be depressed against the foam insert
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an apparatus for container. The container comprises a first sleeve and a tray element. Both the first sleeve and tray comprise holes through the sides of their respective walls. In a locked position the tray is substantially housed within the first sleeve. The apparatus further comprises a foam insert disposed within an open area of the tray element. Located between the wall of the tray and foam insert, a button extends through the hole of the tray element. In a locked position, the button further extends through the hole of the first sleeve. The button may be depressed upon the foam insert to unlock the tray from the foam insert.