Childproof Package Slide with Staggered Hook Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing childproof and senior-friendly packaging solutions are costly to produce and do not effectively prevent young children from accessing contents due to complex mechanisms that older users can easily manipulate, while being difficult for seniors to open.
Innovation Solution
A package design featuring a flange-shaped upper edge with hook-shaped elements that can be moved out of recesses against spring force, eliminating the need for separate projections and spring elements, and staggered recesses and hook-shaped elements that require simultaneous depression to open, making it difficult for children to access but manageable for adults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate projections and spring elements are used to lock the slide in the housing, then the locking mechanism is reliable, but the manufacturing cost increases and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the projection and spring element into a single integrated component on the slide. The projection is formed as an extension of the slide itself, while the spring element is molded directly onto the projection, eliminating the need for separate parts and reducing assembly steps while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection serves multiple functions: it acts as both the locking element that engages with the recess and the mounting structure for the spring element. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components needed in the packaging system.
2Manufacturing precision
If the housing is provided with guides with recesses and the slide with projections, then the sliding movement is guided accurately, but the height of the package increases and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the separate guide structures from the housing and integrates the guiding function directly into the interaction between the slide's projection and the housing's recess. The projection engages with the recess to provide both locking and guiding functions, eliminating the need for additional guide components that would increase package height.
3Ease of operation
If a simple sliding mechanism is used, then the package is easy to open, but children can easily access the contents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a spring element that exerts a preliminary locking force on the projection, preventing the slide from moving without sufficient force. The spring creates a threshold force requirement that children cannot overcome, while adults can easily exceed when intentionally opening the package.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static connection to a dynamic spring-loaded system. The spring element allows for controlled movement and force application, enabling the mechanism to distinguish between accidental pulls by children and intentional opening by adults based on the force applied.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If staggered recesses and hook-shaped elements are used, then children cannot open the package, but the manufacturing process becomes simpler
Solution Approach 1:
The hook-shaped element is integrated directly onto the slide as a single molded feature rather than being a separate component. The staggering of recesses and hook elements is achieved through the molding process itself, simplifying assembly while maintaining the childproof functionality through the complex engagement pattern.
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 package meets childproof standards by preventing young children from opening it while allowing seniors to access contents easily, while being cost-effective to produce and meeting regulatory testing standards.
Implementation Method 1
the hook-shaped elements of the flange-shaped upper edge can be moved out of the recesses against the spring force of the flange-shaped upper edge
Data Source
AI summary
A package (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) comprises a housing (2, 102, 202) and a slide (3, 103, 203) which is slidably accommodated in the housing in a sliding direction (PI). The slide comprises a bottom wall (17), side walls (18-21) connected to the bottom wall as well as at least one flange-shaped upper edge (22) spaced from the bottom wall, which is connected to the side walls. The housing is provided with at least one recess (14, 15), in which at least one projection connected to the slide can be positioned for at least locking the slide in position in the housing. The projection can be moved out of the recess against spring force, after which the slide can be moved in the sliding direction in the housing. The flange-shaped upper edge comprises two parts that extend parallel to the sliding direction, wherein each part is provided with at least one hook-shaped element (27, 327), while the housing comprises two side walls (5, 6), wherein each side wall is provided with at least one recess, wherein a recess and a hook-shaped element located at a first side wall are staggered, seen in the sliding direction, relative to a recess and a hook-shaped element located at a second side wall. The hook-shaped elements of the flange-shaped upper edge can be moved out of the recesses against the spring force of the flange-shaped upper edge.