Single-Wall Child-Resistant Closure with Compressible Pawls
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closures for dispensing containers are complex and difficult to manufacture in large quantities due to their configurations, which include additional elements for child safety, and require dual-wall designs that complicate the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A single-sided closure with a compressible main body, mating threads, a distensible base skirt, and diametrically opposed catch pawls that deform under compression to increase the distance between pawl tips, allowing for easy removal and dispensing without the need for separate walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dual-wall closure design with pawls and lugs is used to achieve child-resistant properties, then the closure provides effective child safety, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inner wall and outer wall into a single integrated closure structure. The single wall incorporates both the threading function (replacing the inner wall) and the pawl mechanism for child resistance (replacing the outer wall with lugs), eliminating the need for separate dual-wall components while maintaining both sealing and child-resistant functions
Solution Approach 2:
The single wall of the closure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the threading interface for sealing, forms the pawls for child-resistant engagement, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functional design consolidates what previously required separate inner and outer walls into one universal component
2Reliability
If a dual-wall closure design with pawls and lugs is used to achieve child-resistant properties, then the closure provides effective child safety, but the manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inner wall and outer wall into a single integrated closure structure. The single wall incorporates both the threading function (replacing the inner wall) and the pawl mechanism for child resistance (replacing the outer wall with lugs), eliminating the need for separate dual-wall components while maintaining both sealing and child-resistant functions
Solution Approach 2:
The single wall is segmented to form integrated features: threading portions are molded into the wall, and pawls with lugs are formed as part of the same continuous structure. This segmentation allows complex functions to be achieved within a single manufacturable component rather than requiring assembly of multiple parts
3Reliability
If a dual-wall closure design is used, then child-resistant functionality is achieved, but material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inner wall and outer wall into a single integrated closure structure. The single wall incorporates both the threading function (replacing the inner wall) and the pawl mechanism for child resistance (replacing the outer wall with lugs), eliminating the need for separate dual-wall components while maintaining both sealing and child-resistant functions
Solution Approach 2:
The single wall is designed to function as a composite structure with different regions serving different purposes: threading zones, pawl engagement zones, and structural support zones, all within one material continuum, optimizing material usage while maintaining functionality
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 closure can be produced at reduced material costs with equivalent functionality, using a single continuous wall configuration that simplifies manufacturing and maintains effective child-resistant properties.
Implementation Method 1
compression of a portion of the main body imparts flexural stress and deformation of a portion of the closure such that the distance between the tips of the pawls increases
Implementation Method 2
compression of a portion of the main body imparts flexural stress and deformation of a portion of the closure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A closure (10) adapted for use with a suitably configured dispensing container (12) the closure comprising as parts of a single sidewall; a compressible main body part (60) having a sidewall (62) having disposed thereon and/or formed within one or more gripping means (64), a set of mating threads upon the interior of the sidewall, and a base edge (83), a distensible base skirt part (80) which depends from the main body part by connecting cowling sections (85), the base skirt part comprising sidewall rim regions (88) which are connected to the cowling sections but separated from the main body part by arcuate perforations (90) in the region between the cowling sections and the base edge of the main body part, and further a catch pawl (92) present within the cowling section. The closure provides for controlled removal of the closure from the dispensing container.