Childproof Safety Capsule with Segmented Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing childproof safety capsules can be deformed when children apply force to the cover, allowing the annular projection to disengage and enabling removal of the cover, thus compromising the cap's security.
Innovation Solution
A safety capsule design featuring a press-fit engagement mechanism and extraction prevention means, including first and second connecting means with annular protrusions and abutments, and a tamper-evident intactness band with flexible bridges, ensures the cap and cover remain securely connected, preventing accidental removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single annular projection engages beneath an annular abutment to retain the cover, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the cover can be deformed under force allowing the projection to disengage and enabling removal
Solution Approach 1:
The single annular projection and abutment connection is segmented into multiple discrete connection points. The cap includes at least two protrusions extending from its lower circumferential edge, each engageable with corresponding recesses in the cover's upper circumferential edge. This segmentation distributes mechanical stress across multiple points, preventing deformation that would cause disengagement, while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular geometry.
2Ease of operation
If the cover is designed to be removable by pulling along the axial direction, then the capsule can be opened for access, but children can apply force to lift the cover and remove it accidentally
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism transitions from a static single-point engagement to a dynamic multi-point engagement system. The protrusions and recesses are positioned and dimensioned to require coordinated axial and rotational movements simultaneously, creating a dynamic locking effect that adapts to applied forces. This dynamic interaction prevents accidental removal by children while allowing intentional opening by adults who can apply the required coordinated movements.
3Device complexity
If the cover and cap are connected with a simple engagement mechanism, then the device complexity is low, but the connection can be broken under force allowing cover removal
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism combines multiple geometric features (protrusions, recesses, annular projection, abutment) into a composite structural system. These features work together to create a multi-faceted engagement that distributes and multiplies connection strength without requiring complex individual components. The composite nature of the connection provides both high strength and resistance to deformation while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A safety capsule for a container, comprising: • - a cap (2) for closing the container and comprising a thread (20) for connection to the container; • - a cover (3) for said cap (2), said cover (3) comprising a base (30) and a lateral wall (31) that extends from said base (30); said base (30) and said lateral wall (31) overlying said cap (2), said base (30) being at the opposite end with respect to a zone (4) of the capsule that comprises an intactness band (8) designed to be connected with the container; • - a press-fit engagement means (5) that set said cap (2) and said cover (3) into operative communication, enabling transmission of motion from the cover (3) to the cap (2) for the purpose of making it possible to unscrew said cap (2); • - means (6) for preventing extraction of the cover (3) from the cap (2), comprising a first connecting means (61) for connecting the cover (3) to the cap (2) and that extends along a first imaginary annular line; The engagement means (5) and said first connecting means (61) being at least partly incorporated in said cap (2) and cover (3); wherein the extraction prevention means (6) further comprises a second connecting means (62) for connecting the cover (3) to the cap (2) and that extends along a second imaginary annular line, said second connecting means (62) being at least partly incorporated in said cap (2) and cover (3).