Lockable Pill Container Sliding Lock Bar Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pill containers with locking mechanisms often pose difficulties for individuals with limited dexterity or painful joints, and may inadvertently open during travel, leading to spills and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A lockable pill container design featuring a slidable lock bar with opposite ends for easy unlocking and locking, allowing lids to be moved between covering and open positions, and a visual indicator for locking status, ensuring secure closure without excessive complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to a pill container to prevent child access and accidental opening, then security and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a lock bar with distinct locking end and unlocking end, first locking members on the lid, and a release mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall operation simple for users with limited dexterity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock bar is designed to be pushed in the opposite direction for locking versus unlocking. The first end of the lock bar engages first locking members to lock the lid, while pushing the second end of the lock bar disengages it to unlock. This inverted operation provides clear tactile feedback and is easier to operate than traditional complex locking mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the pill container, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and unlocking functions are merged into a single lock bar component that slides linearly. The lock bar integrates both the locking engagement feature and the releasing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate locking devices and reducing overall mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex internal locking mechanisms found in traditional containers are extracted and replaced with a simple sliding lock bar that engages with external first locking members on the lid. This extraction simplifies the internal structure while maintaining secure locking functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A lockable pill container includes a holder defining at least one compartment having an access opening providing access to a pill holder interior volume. At least one lid is moveable between a covering position and an open position. The lid includes a first locking member that is sized to project into the holder when the respective lid is in the covering position. A second locking member is moveable between a locking position and a release position. The locking position includes a position in which the second locking member engages a first locking member of the at least one lid in the covering position. The release position includes a position in which the second locking member is disengaged from all of the first locking members. The second locking member includes opposite first and second ends. The second locking member is moveable from the locking position to the release position by application of a force against the second end. The second locking member is moveable from the release position to the locking position by application of a force against the first end. A visual indicator, such as color, can be used to help the user know when the container is locked or not locked. A tactile indicator can be used to help the user know when the container is locked or not locked.