Child-Resistant Paperboard Package with Sliding Tray Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a child-resistant carton package made of paperboard that is difficult for children to open but has a simple construction, as existing solutions do not adequately address the requirement for a paperboard package with a child-resistant locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A carton package design featuring an outer sleeve and a slidably accommodated tray with a locking mechanism that prevents immediate opening and an auto-stop function to prevent the tray from being fully drawn out, utilizing a locking tab and flaps to ensure secure closure and multiple uses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a child-resistant locking mechanism is added to a paperboard package, then the package becomes difficult for children to open, but the construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into separate functional components: a locking part on the outer sleeve, a first flap on the tray that interacts with the locking part, and an opening flap on the outer sleeve. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in itself while collectively providing child-resistant functionality, resolving the contradiction between reliability and construction complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism components are nested within the package structure - the locking part is arranged inside the outer sleeve, the first flap is bound outside the tray side wall, and the opening flap overlaps with the first flap. This nesting integrates the locking function into the existing package geometry without adding external complex structures, maintaining simplicity while achieving child resistance.
2Ease of operation
If the tray can be fully drawn out from the outer sleeve, then access to contents is easy, but security and controlled access are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tab on the tray bottom surface and the folded flap inside the outer sleeve are pre-configured to automatically engage when the tray is drawn out. This preliminary arrangement prevents the tray from being fully removed without proper unlocking, providing security while still allowing easy access through the defined opening mechanism. The auto-stop function creates a predetermined stopping position that balances security with accessibility.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple components is implemented, then child resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism where the locking part, first flap, opening flap, and locking tab work together as one system. This merging reduces the need for separate complex components and assembly steps, making the package easier to manufacture while maintaining child-resistant functionality. The flaps are formed from the same paperboard material as the package itself, further simplifying manufacturing.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A package (1), which comprises an outer sleeve (2) and a tray (3) accommodated slidably within the outer sleeve and capable of motion between a closed position and an open position, and the package comprises a locking mechanism for preventing immediate opening of the package from the closed position to the open position. The package further comprises a locking tab (7) arranged at the bottom part of the tray (3), which locking tab (7) is arranged to be against a folded flap (25a) inside the open-ended first end of the outer sleeve when the package is opened for preventing to draw the tray fully out from the outer sleeve.