Child-Resistant Nasal Sprayer Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child-resistant closures for nasal sprayers are inadequate, as they are difficult to adapt for pump and aerosol dispensing containers, lack effective locking mechanisms, and pose challenges for users with limited strength or visual impairments, and inefficiently apply nasal medications.
Innovation Solution
A child-resistant nasal sprayer assembly with a C-shaped actuation safety lock member and a rotatable compressible dispensing actuator, featuring a push button and wings that allow for optimized geometries and material selection, enabling secure locking and efficient dispensing while allowing color coding of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded cap closure is used to prevent unintended dispensing, then child resistance is improved, but it is not easily adapted for pump and aerosol dispensing containers
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into separate functional components: a cap assembly with locking mechanism and a pump actuator assembly with corresponding engagement features. This segmentation allows the closure to be adapted to pump and aerosol dispensing containers while maintaining child-resistant functionality through the cooperative interaction of these separate parts.
2Reliability
If a single use locking mechanism is used to provide visible evidence of product tampering, then initial use protection is improved, but no protection is provided against subsequent access
Solution Approach 1:
The pump actuator assembly includes integrated locking and dispensing functions that work together in a self-service manner. The same rotational motion that dispenses the composition also maintains the locked state, providing continuous protection against subsequent access while enabling repeated legitimate use.
3Device complexity
If the rotation locking member is hingedly attached to the pump actuator by a living hinge, then integration is improved, but the hinge may become detached and lose locking function
Solution Approach 1:
The living hinge is extracted from the pump actuator assembly and placed in the cap assembly instead. This extraction eliminates the reliability problem of the hinge becoming detached while maintaining the integrated locking function through the cap's engagement features that cooperate with the pump actuator.
4Ease of manufacture
If the pump actuator and rotation locking member are fabricated with uniform construction from common material, then manufacturing is simplified, but it is difficult to visually distinguish components and the hinge requires non-optimized material properties
Solution Approach 1:
Different materials and colors are used for different functional components: the cap assembly uses materials optimized for the locking mechanism while the pump actuator uses materials optimized for dispensing function. Color coding is applied locally to distinguish components visually without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
5Ease of manufacture
If a common color is used for all components, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but sight impaired individuals cannot visually distinguish the rotation locking member
Solution Approach 1:
Color coding is applied to the cap assembly and pump actuator assembly to provide visual distinction for users with impaired vision. The color changes do not add significant manufacturing complexity and clearly differentiate the rotation locking member from other components, improving ease of operation.
6Device complexity
If the rotation locking member is designed with integrated hinge and uniform construction, then part count is reduced, but the degree of force required to depress the locking member increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into the cap assembly and pump actuator assembly, allowing each to be optimized for its specific function. This segmentation reduces the force required to operate the locking member while maintaining low part count through the cooperative interaction of the segmented components.
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 solution provides a reliable child-resistant locking mechanism that prevents unintended dispensing, facilitates efficient nasal medication application, and allows for cost-effective, visually distinguishable components, improving usability for all users.
Implementation Method 1
the structure of the actuation safety lock member enables inward radial flexure along a flexion length of the C-shaped body between the push button feature and the distal end
Data Source
AI summary
A child resistant nasal sprayer assembly includes a cap body having a base portion and an upstanding wall extending axially in an upward direction. An actuator is rotationally and axially slideably assembled within an interior of the upstanding wall. A safety button extends through the actuator and into a receiving notch formed in the upstanding wall. The safety button restricts motion of the actuator when placed in a locked configuration and enables motion of the actuator when placed in an unlocked configuration. The safety button is integral with a ring portion. The ring portion provides a biasing force to the button to retain the button in the locked position until purposely unlocked. Once unlocked, the operator compresses a pair of winglets, which operates a pump that dispenses medicinal composition stored within the bottle through a nozzle.