Hinged Package With Multi-Point Locking For Child Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic smoking device packages need to prevent access by children while maintaining functionality, as existing solutions fail to effectively secure the contents without compromising usability for adults.
Innovation Solution
A package design with hinged portions and a locking mechanism requiring simultaneous pressure on multiple unlocking elements, which are spaced to exceed the coordination capabilities of children, ensuring the package can only be opened by applying sufficient force across all elements simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple opening mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but safety against child access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The opening mechanism is segmented into multiple independent unlocking elements (at least two) that are spatially separated from each other. Each element controls a separate cavity-protrusion locking interface. This segmentation requires coordinated action across multiple points, which is beyond children's capabilities while remaining manageable for adults.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a spatial dimension to the opening operation by distributing unlocking elements across different locations and orientations on the package. The elements are positioned such that they require hand coordination across multiple dimensions (horizontal spacing, vertical spacing, and rotational orientation), transforming a simple single-point opening into a multi-dimensional coordination task.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple unlocking elements are used, then safety against child access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking functions are merged into a unified hinged opening structure. The cavities and protrusions are integrated into the hinge mechanism itself, so that opening the hinge simultaneously engages or disengages all locking elements. This merging reduces the need for separate complex mechanisms for each unlocking element.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged structure serves multiple functions: it provides the opening motion, houses the cavities, positions the protrusions, and coordinates the unlocking of multiple elements simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces overall complexity by eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for each function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If unlocking elements are spaced apart, then child access prevention is improved, but ease of operation may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing and positioning of unlocking elements is optimized for adult hand anatomy and coordination capabilities. Elements are positioned at distances and orientations that match typical adult finger span and dexterity, while being sufficiently spaced to be inaccessible to children. This local quality optimization ensures ease of operation for the target user group while maintaining safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A package for accommodating products comprises a first portion hingedly connected to a first side of a rear panel, a second portion hingedly connected to a second side of the rear panel, the second side being opposite to the first side. At least one of the first and second portion comprises at least one recess adapted to accommodate a product. The first portion, the second portion and the rear panel at least partly form a receptacle adapted for accommodating said at least one recess. The first portion and the second portion are movable between an open state of the package in which the at least one recess is accessible to a user and a closed state of the package in which the at least one recess is inaccessible to a user.