Pouch Closure With Child-Proof Lock and Airtight Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing re-closable pouches are not airtight, allowing content degradation and may be easily opened by children, posing safety risks for substances like pharmaceuticals or cleaning agents.
Innovation Solution
A closure system comprising a cylindrical sleeve with a longitudinal slit and a concentric rod, combined with a child-proof lock that blocks the slit's open end, ensuring the pouch cannot be opened by children and maintaining a tight seal to protect contents from atmospheric degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple re-closable pouch closure is used, then ease of operation is improved, but child safety and airtight sealing are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is divided into separate functional components: a cylindrical sleeve for sealing, a rod for mechanical engagement, and a lockable mechanism with locking elements. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function while maintaining overall simplicity of use
Solution Approach 2:
The rod is inserted concentrically within the cylindrical sleeve, creating a nested structure where the rod fits inside the sleeve. The locking elements are nested within the sleeve structure, engaging with the rod and sleeve walls to provide secure locking without adding external complexity
2Reliability
If a lockable mechanism is added to prevent child access, then child safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-operating. The locking elements automatically engage when the rod is inserted into the sleeve, and the cam mechanism provides automatic locking action. The system requires minimal user intervention - simply inserting the rod triggers the locking sequence
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a traditional lock that requires key or complex manipulation to secure, the design inverts the approach: the default state is locked through automatic engagement of locking elements, and opening requires deliberate action to disengage the cam mechanism. This inversion provides child safety through passive locking while maintaining simplicity
3Reliability
If the pouch closure is made airtight, then protection from atmospheric degradation is improved, but ease of operation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical sleeve acts as a flexible sealing shell that conformally engages with the folded pouch walls. The sleeve's cylindrical shape and slight flexibility allow it to create an airtight seal around the folded pouch material without requiring rigid or complex sealing structures
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical (curved) shape of the sleeve provides superior sealing compared to flat or angular structures. The curved surface naturally conforms to the folded pouch walls, distributing sealing pressure evenly and creating an effective airtight barrier while maintaining smooth operation
Data Source
AI summary
A closure for a pouch comprising: (a) a cylindrical sleeve having a first open end and a second open end, (b) a longitudinal slit in the cylindrical sleeve having a close end proximate to the first end of the cylindrical sleeve and an open end at the second end of the cylindrical sleeve; (c) a rod adapted to be arranged concentrically within the cylindrical sleeve having a first end and a second end, the first end of the rod being adapted to engage with the first end of the cylindrical sleeve; and (d) a child-proof lock adapted to be removably connected to the second end of the cylindrical sleeve or to the second end of the rod to block the open end of the longitudinal slit.