Secure Tablet Package with Two-Action Blister Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular packages for pills are not secure enough, as children can easily access and take unintended medications due to the simplicity of opening and re-opening mechanisms, which often require only a single action.
Innovation Solution
A secure package design that requires two simultaneous actions to access the pills, featuring a moveable blister with a resilient system that returns to its initial position if the action is interrupted, preventing further access even under force, and a case with transverse curbs guiding the blister for secure alignment with holes in the bottom wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single-action opening mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The package employs a dynamic two-action mechanism where the blister must be displaced to align with the hole while simultaneously pushing the tablet. The resilient system dynamically returns the blister to its initial position if the action is interrupted, creating a motion-based security feature that prevents unauthorized access while maintaining operational functionality for intended use.
Solution Approach 2:
The package changes the operational parameter from a single action to two simultaneous actions. The first action displaces the blister to the active position, and the second action pushes the tablet through the aligned hole. This parameter change ensures that accidental or forced access is prevented while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate users who can perform both actions.
2Ease of operation
If the package remains open after opening, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates as re-closing is not automatic
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient system provides self-service by automatically returning the blister to its initial closed position when the user releases it after tablet extraction. This eliminates the need for manual re-closing and ensures the package secures itself, preventing exposure of remaining drugs while maintaining operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient system applies a preliminary counteracting force that automatically closes the package after use. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the open state, ensuring the package returns to its secure closed position and prevents unauthorized access or drug exposure when left unattended.
3Illumination intensity
If transparent cells are used, then visibility of tablets is improved, but attractiveness to children increases leading to higher risk of misuse
Solution Approach 1:
The package applies local quality by making only the necessary portion transparent - the blister cover is transparent to allow visibility of the tablet for identification, while the case and other portions remain opaque. This localized transparency maintains the ability to identify tablets while reducing the overall visual appeal that attracts children.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent cover, which could be seen as a harmful feature attracting children, is converted into a benefit by combining it with the two-action mechanism. The transparency allows proper identification of tablets (benefit), while the complex opening mechanism counteracts the potential harm by preventing unauthorized access despite the visual appeal.
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 effectively restricts access to pills, making it difficult for children to obtain medication unless both actions are maintained, ensuring the package remains closed unless intentionally opened and re-closed.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient system (4), such that the resilient system is configured to urge the blister in the direction of the second curb (8), and more particularly supported against its vertical wall (15)
Data Source
AI summary
A secure package (1) for drugs, blocks access to the drugs such that, to gain access to the drugs, the user must execute two simultaneous actions. When one of the actions is interrupted, access is rendered impossible. The secure package includes a case (2), a blister (3), and an elastic biasing system (4). The blister (3) is a cellular card pack for dispensing pills. The blister (3) is mobile and can be moved in translation in the case (2) by being slid on its base wall (16). Thus, the blister can take up two positions, namely an initial rest position, wherein the position of the cells (10) does not correspond to holes (19) formed in the base wall (16) and a so-called active position, wherein the cells (10) are in a position corresponding to the holes (19) in the base wall (16).