Child Resistant Lockable Container with Segmented Button and Rim Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lockable containers are often complex and expensive to manufacture, making them difficult for adults to access quickly while being resistant to accidental opening by children or pets, and there is a lack of a simple, cost-effective configuration for small lockable rectangular prism containers.
Innovation Solution
A lockable container design featuring a tray and a sleeve with a foam insert and button mechanism that allows easy switching 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 used to prevent accidental opening by children or pets, then child resistance is improved, but the container becomes more complex and difficult to open quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two independent components: a button for vertical pressing and a rim for rotational movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (vertical pressure detection and rotational locking respectively), simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining child resistance through the combination of both actions required to open the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocking process. The button can be pressed vertically to release the lock, and the rim can be rotated to fully open the container. This dynamic behavior allows the mechanism to adapt between locked and unlocked states, providing child resistance when closed while enabling quick access when needed.
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to ensure child resistance, then security is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the locking mechanism into separate, simple components (button and rim), each part can be manufactured independently using standard molding or fabrication processes. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to a single integrated complex locking mechanism, while the combination of components maintains effective child resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The button and rim are basic structural elements rather than complex mechanical assemblies, significantly reducing material and manufacturing costs while providing adequate child resistance functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple container design is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but child resistance capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The simple container design is enhanced with segmented locking features (button and rim) that add child resistance functionality without significantly increasing overall complexity. These segmented components can be integrated into the existing container structure with minimal additional manufacturing steps, maintaining cost-effectiveness while gaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The button and rim act as intermediary elements between the container body and the locking function. Rather than redesigning the entire container, these intermediary components are added to provide child resistance, allowing the base container to remain simple and cost-effective while gaining enhanced security capabilities.
4Reliability
If a locking mechanism requires specific manipulation to open, then child resistance is improved, but ease of access for adults deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses dynamic, intuitive actions (pressing and rotating) that are naturally understood by adults but require coordinated effort from children. The button pressing action is a simple vertical motion, and the rim rotation is a natural twisting movement, making the opening process easy for adults while maintaining effectiveness against children who cannot perform the coordinated actions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex multi-step locking sequence that would be difficult for both children and adults, the mechanism inverts the approach by using simple, opposite actions (press down to unlock, rotate to open) that are intuitively understood. This inversion of the typical locking paradigm simplifies adult operation while maintaining child resistance through the requirement of deliberate manual intervention.
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 user-friendly, cost-effective solution for securing contents while allowing easy access by adults while preventing accidental opening by children or pets, with the ability to be manufactured at a lower cost due to its simplified mechanism.
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
A lockable container comprising a sleeve having at least three sidewalls, the sidewalls defining a pocket, the pocket having at least one entrance, and the pocket adapted for receiving and housing a hinged shell, a least one sidewall of the sleeve having a slit; a hinged shell having a lid, a tray hingedly connected to the shell, storage space defined by the tray, and a locking tab disposed on one of the lid or the tray, the hinged shell comprised of a flexible and resilient material; wherein the locking tab is substantially aligned with the slit when the hinged shell is housed within the sleeve, causing the locking tab to protrude through the slit; and wherein the hinged shell is prevented from sliding out of the sleeve unless the locking tab is flexed to disengage the slit.