Maze Container Closure with Axial Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current child-resistant packaging, such as those with snap-on and threaded closures, fail to effectively prevent children under 5 from opening containers while still being easily accessible for adults, particularly elderly adults, as they do not meet the required child resistance and older adult use effectiveness standards set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Innovation Solution
A maze container system featuring a neck section with intersecting ribs and grooves, including a detent or stud retainer, that requires specific rotary and axial motions to open and close, providing a secure closure mechanism that is resistant to child access while being easily operable by adults, with the use of studs and axial entry-exit grooves to secure and remove the closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If snap-on and threaded closures are used, then ease of operation is improved, but child resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism is segmented into multiple independent components: a closure member with studs, a container with recesses, and a maze structure with multiple grooves (first circumferential groove, second circumferential groove, axial groove). Each segment performs a specific function in the opening sequence, breaking down the single action into multiple steps that confuse children but remain manageable for adults.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system employs dynamic motion sequences combining rotation and axial movement. The maze structure requires alternating between rotating the closure member and pushing it axially to navigate through the grooves. This dynamic, multi-directional operation confuses children who expect simple linear or rotational motion, while adults can adapt to the sequence.
2Reliability
If maze type packages with multiple grooves are used, then child resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The maze structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides child resistance through its complex groove pattern, guides the closure member through proper opening motions via the grooves, and creates a locking mechanism through the interaction between studs and recesses. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the maze structure, locking mechanism, and motion guide into a single integrated closure system. The intersecting grooves (circumferential and axial) are merged to form one continuous path that simultaneously achieves child resistance and operational guidance, eliminating the need for separate mechanical locks or guides.
3Reliability
If alternating rotary and axial motion is required, then child resistance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is pre-configured with studs positioned to engage specific recesses in the container, and the maze grooves are pre-designed to guide the required motion sequence. This preliminary arrangement ensures that adults naturally follow the correct opening path without needing instructions, as the physical structure itself guides the alternating rotary and axial motions.
Solution Approach 2:
The maze grooves act as an intermediary mechanism between the closure member and container. Rather than requiring direct force application, the grooves mediate the opening action by channeling and guiding the alternating rotary and axial motions, making the complex sequence feel more natural and easier to perform for adults.
Data Source
AI summary
A child resistant maze type container system is disclosed. The system includes a cylindrical container member that includes a plurality of mazes thereon. A closure member includes studs for engaging the mazes and to releasably secure the closure to the container.