Multi-Actuation Lock for Recyclable Detergent Containers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Detergent containers face challenges in protecting the contents from humidity while ensuring the lock is accessible to adult users and can withstand repetitive use, particularly in cardboard containers which are recyclable but mechanically challenging. Additionally, the containers must be robust for transportation and storage while being environmentally friendly.
Innovation Solution
A container design with a lock mechanism that uses three actuation areas to reliably maintain the cover in a closed position, allowing for repeated opening and closing, and is configured to prevent accidental opening, using a structure that can be operated with three fingers of one hand. The container is made from environmentally friendly materials like cardboard, with a support element structure to prevent deformation and accidental opening during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock mechanism is designed to be childproof and prevent accidental opening, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is segmented into multiple independent actuation areas (first, second, and third actuation areas) distributed across different flanks of the cover. This segmentation allows the lock to be operated by applying pressure at multiple discrete locations simultaneously, making it accessible to adult users with adequate hand span while maintaining childproof functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation areas are positioned on different spatial dimensions (opposite flanks and adjacent flanks of the cover) rather than clustered in one location. This dimensional distribution enables adult users to operate the lock using fingers spread across the cover surface, improving ease of operation while the distributed configuration prevents accidental activation by children.
2Ease of manufacture
If a cardboard container is used for environmental friendliness and recyclability, then environmental impact is reduced, but mechanical strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with pre-formed flanks extending from the cover that are configured to engage with the box body before transport. This preliminary structural configuration provides mechanical support and prevents deformation during transportation, allowing the use of environmentally friendly cardboard materials without sacrificing structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The container utilizes thin-walled cardboard construction with strategically positioned flanks and actuation areas that provide necessary mechanical strength while maintaining flexibility and environmental friendliness. The thin-walled design enables recyclability while the geometric configuration of flanks provides structural support during transport.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
Examples include a consumer product comprising a box comprising a detergent product, a cover, and a lock. The cover covers an opening and first, second and third specific portions of sidewalls of the box when the cover is in the closed position, the lock comprising a first and a second actuator moveable from a locking position to an opening position, the cover comprising first, second and third actuation areas, the actuation areas permitting displacing the first and second actuators from the locking position to the opening position by simultaneously applying the actuation pressure, whereby: - the first and third specific portions and the first actuator pertain to a same specific sidewall; - the second specific portion and the second actuator pertain to an opposite sidewall; - the first and third actuation areas pertain to a same specific flank; and - the second actuation area pertains to an opposite flank.