Slider Packaging With Deformable Locking Edge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current child-resistant packaging for pharmaceutical products is inadequate in preventing access by children, as existing solutions do not provide a reliable and secure mechanism to prevent accidental dispensing of contents.
Innovation Solution
A package design featuring a slider with a releasable locking feature, utilizing a pair of locking edges and a release area that requires manual pressure to deflect the locking edge out of abutment, ensuring the slider can only be slid out of the container when the user intentionally releases the locking mechanism, enhancing security and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple container design is used, then manufacturing cost and device complexity are reduced, but child-resistant reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The package is divided into two functional components: a container and a slider. The slider can be independently inserted into and removed from the container, allowing the locking mechanism to be separated from the container body. This segmentation enables the container to remain simple while the slider incorporates the child-resistant locking feature, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking edge acts as an intermediary element between the slider and container. It provides the locking function through a simple geometric feature (an edge that abuts against the container wall) rather than requiring a complex mechanical latch or lock mechanism. This intermediary approach achieves reliable child-resistant protection while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent slider removal, then child-resistant reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-releasing through the natural removal action. When the user pulls the slider out of the container, the locking edge automatically disengages from the container wall without requiring the user to perform additional actions like pressing a release button or manipulating a latch. The simple pull motion simultaneously overcomes both the locking force and removes the slider, maintaining ease of operation while providing reliable locking.
3Reliability
If a multi-ply locking edge is used, then locking reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking edge is merged with the slider sidewall as an integrated feature rather than being a separate component. The locking edge is formed by folding or shaping the sidewall material itself, combining the structural function of the sidewall with the locking function in a single manufacturing step. This eliminates the need for separate locking components and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining reliable locking performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking edge utilizes the natural thickness parameter of the folded sidewall material. By folding the sidewall to create a multi-ply structure, the effective thickness of the locking edge increases, improving its mechanical strength and locking reliability. This parameter change is achieved through the folding operation itself rather than requiring additional materials or complex processing, maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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 solution effectively prevents accidental access to the product by children by requiring deliberate action to release the locking mechanism, providing a more secure and reliable child-resistant packaging solution.
Implementation Method 1
a release area for releasing a locking abutment between the locking edges, the release area being provided in the sidewall of the container having the locking edge, wherein the locking edge of the slider comprises two or more plies of a material used to provide the slider; wherein the locking edges cooperate to prevent movement of the slider out of the open end of the container for permitting access to the product until a user manually applies pressure to the release area to deform the release area and thereby deflect the locking edge of the slider out of abutment
Data Source
AI summary
A package includes a container having an open end and a closed end, and a slider slidably mounted within the container. A releasable locking feature is provided at a side of the package, which comprises a pair of locking edges, one associated with a sidewall of each of the slider and container respectively, and a release area for releasing a locking abutment between the locking edges. The release area is provided in the sidewall of the container having the locking edge, and the locking edge of the slider comprises two or more plies of a material used to provide the slider. The package includes means for biasing the locking edge of the slider into engagement with the locking edge of the container. The biasing means extends from a blister pack carrier connected to the slider.