Rotary Closure Levering Resistance via Offset Axial Passages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child-resistant screw caps for containers are not sufficiently secure against children while being difficult for seniors and individuals with physical disabilities to open and close, as they can be easily levered out during opening, compromising their effectiveness in preventing access to hazardous substances.
Innovation Solution
A screw cap design featuring an annular container rim and closure lid rim with radially extending locking elements and counter-locking elements, arranged to require a specific rotational alignment and axial passage openings to secure the cap, preventing levering and allowing easy opening and closing for adults and seniors but maintaining security against children.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple twist-lock closure is used, then the device is easy to open and close, but it can be easily levered out and is not sufficiently childproof
Solution Approach 1:
The closure lid is divided into multiple functional segments: a first locking element for initial engagement, a second locking element for enhanced security, and multiple annular edges with passage openings that work in sequence. This segmentation creates multiple barriers that must be overcome, preventing simple levering while maintaining controlled ease of operation through the defined opening sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds rotational dimension to the locking mechanism. Instead of simple axial engagement, the closure requires specific rotational positions to align passage openings with locking elements. This rotational aspect prevents levering attempts while the defined rotation sequence provides predictable ease of operation for authorized users.
2Reliability
If a secure twist-lock closure with multiple locking elements is used, then childproof security is improved, but the device becomes difficult for seniors and individuals with physical disabilities to open and close
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism is designed with dynamic characteristics that adapt to user capability. The first locking element engages easily with minimal force, providing immediate security. The second locking element requires additional rotation but engages smoothly through the defined sequence. This dynamic progression allows seniors to open the closure with moderate effort while maintaining high security through the multi-stage engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The first locking element performs preliminary securing action that establishes basic childproof protection with minimal user effort. This preliminary engagement creates a stable base that guides subsequent rotation to the second locking element, making the overall process more manageable for seniors while maintaining cumulative security.
3Reliability
If a rotary closure with multiple locking elements and passage openings is used, then resistance to levering is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking functions are merged into a single closure lid structure. The first and second locking elements, along with multiple annular edges and passage openings, are integrated into one cohesive component that rotates as a unit. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while achieving cumulative locking security and levering resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure lid serves multiple functions simultaneously: the first locking element provides initial security, the second locking element enhances protection, the annular edges guide rotation, and the passage openings control engagement. This multi-functionality within a single rotating component achieves high security and levering resistance without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a rotary closure (19) for a child-resistant container (13) that can be resealed by means of a locking lid (14), and to methods for opening and closing such a rotary closure. The container (13) has two ring rims (21, 22) rotating around an axis of rotation (15, 28), which have an axial distance (25) between them. Each ring rim (21, 22) has several axial openings (31, 32; 32', 33'). The locking lid (14) has several locking elements (41, 42, 43). The axial passage openings (31, 32; 32', 33') and the locking elements (41, 42) are designed to be coordinated such that each locking element (41, 42) can pass axially through an associated axial passage opening of the respective ring edge (21, 22).The ring edges (21, 22) are arranged with their respective axial passage openings (31, 32; 32', 33') offset from each other at a ring edge circumferential angle around the axis of rotation (15, 28), so that each locking element (41, 42) can pass axially through a suitable axial passage opening (31, 32) of the first ring edge (21), but can only pass axially through a suitable axial passage opening (32', 33') of the second ring edge (22) after a rotation of the closure cover (14) and the container (13) around the axis of rotation (15, 28) relative to each other by a rotation angle corresponding to the ring edge circumferential angle, and vice versa.