Lockable Drawer Packaging With Segmented Flap Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sleeve-and-drawer style packaging lacks an efficient child-resistant mechanism that is not oversized, while maintaining an acceptable level of security and ease of use for both children and adults.
Innovation Solution
A two-part locking mechanism comprising a locking flap hingedly connected to the drawer and a moveable tab on the outer sleeve, allowing for secure engagement and easy release, which reduces the overall package size without compromising child-resistant features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking flap is made longer to provide proper resistance to withdrawing force, then the child-resistant feature is improved, but the overall package size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two parts: a locking flap on the drawer and a corresponding locking feature on the outer sleeve. This segmentation allows the locking function to be distributed, enabling the drawer to be retained without requiring an excessively long locking flap, thus resolving the contradiction between child-resistant reliability and compact package size
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer is nested within the outer sleeve, with the locking flap of the drawer engaging with a locking feature on the inner wall of the outer sleeve. This nesting arrangement allows the locking mechanism to function efficiently within a compact space, avoiding the need for an oversized locking flap while maintaining child-resistant security
2Reliability
If the locking mechanism is made more complex to improve security, then the child-resistant feature is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates a moveable tab that can be easily pressed to release the locking engagement. This dynamic element allows adults to easily open the package by pressing the tab, which moves the locking flap out of engagement, while still maintaining secure locking when closed, thus resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable tab acts as an intermediary between the user and the locking mechanism. Instead of requiring direct manipulation of the locking flap itself, the tab provides a larger, more accessible interface that translates user pressure into the mechanical action needed to release the lock, improving ease of operation while maintaining security
Data Source
AI summary
A package (90) includes an outer sleeve (60) and a drawer (50) that is slidably receivable in the outer sleeve (60). The package further includes a two-part locking mechanism for releasably locking the drawer within the outer sleeve. The first part is provided by the outer sleeve, and the second part by the drawer as a locking flap (52) hingedly connected to a rear end of a top panel (106) of the drawer (50). The locking flap is folded outwardly of the drawer toward a forward end of the top panel to be releasably engaged with the first part of the locking mechanism.