Lockable Pill Container Segmented Lid Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pill containers often have child restraint mechanisms that are either not durable enough to prevent children from opening them or pose difficulties for individuals with limited dexterity, such as those with rheumatism or arthritis, and lack efficient designs for easy access to medication.
Innovation Solution
A lockable pill container with a main body and lid members featuring a first and second locking mechanism, where the second locking member is moveable between engaged and disengaged positions, assisted by a biasing member and user engagement surface, allowing for easy operation with minimal force, enabling secure child restraint and easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a child restraint locking mechanism is made durable and reliable, then child safety is improved, but handling difficulty for people with limited ability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two separate locking members: a first locking member integrated into the lid structure that provides child restraint, and a second locking member that is externally accessible for user operation. This segmentation allows the child safety function to be maintained while providing a separate, easier-to-actuate interface for legitimate users.
Solution Approach 2:
The second locking member acts as an intermediary between the user and the locking mechanism. It includes a biasing member that automatically engages the first locking member, so the user only needs to actuate the second locking member rather than directly manipulating the complex locking mechanism, reducing handling difficulty while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If the lid opening is made small to prevent child access, then child safety is improved, but ease of access for legitimate users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed to be dynamically controllable through the two-stage locking system. When the second locking member is actuated, it disengages the first locking member, allowing the lid to open. This dynamic control enables the opening to remain small for safety while providing easy access when needed through simple user action on the second locking member.
3Device complexity
If a single locking mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of child restraint deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two locking functions into a unified system: the first locking member provides the primary child restraint function, while the second locking member provides an accessible interface and redundant locking action. This merging of functions maintains simplicity from the user's perspective while enhancing reliability through dual-locking protection.
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 secure child restraint that is easy to operate, even for individuals with limited dexterity, ensuring that medication can be accessed and taken correctly while maintaining safety from children.
Implementation Method 1
The second locking member includes a biasing member that is coupled at one end of the second locking member and a user engagement surface at an opposing end. The biasing member provides biasing forces to bias the second locking member into the first position.
Data Source
AI summary
A lockable pill container includes a main body defining a plurality of compartments, and a plurality of lid members that are moveable relative to the compartments between a closed position at least partially covering an opening into the compartments and an open position. Each lid member includes a first engagement member that extends into the main body when the lid member is in the closed position. The container also includes an elongate second engagement member configured to move between a first position engaging the first engagement members and a second position disengaged from the first engagement members. A biasing member is positioned between a first end of the second engagement member and the main body to provide a biasing force that biases the second engagement member into the first position. The second engagement member also includes a contact surface at a second end thereof for engagement by a user to move the second locking member against the biasing force.