Suppository Mold Latching Mechanism for Easy Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suppository molds are difficult to separate and open, especially after freezing, making it challenging for individuals with joint pain or motor neuron disorders to access the solidified suppositories, and they often require fine motor skills.
Innovation Solution
A suppository mold design featuring two pieces held together by a draw latch mechanism, allowing for easy separation and accommodating various casting volumes and shapes, with materials like aluminum, stainless steel, or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and optional conformal coatings for enhanced release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If suppository molds are made of two or more pieces secured using bolts and screws, then the mold structure is stable and secure, but the mold becomes difficult to separate and open after freezing
Solution Approach 1:
The mold is divided into two separate halves that can be easily detached from each other. This segmentation allows the mold to maintain structural integrity during use while enabling simple separation after freezing by pulling the halves apart, eliminating the need for complex fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the bolts and screws entirely from the mold design. By extracting these fastening elements, the mold achieves both stability during use (through the latch mechanism) and ease of separation (by simply pulling the halves apart), resolving the contradiction between secure structure and easy opening.
2Strength
If traditional bolt and screw securing methods are used, then the mold pieces are firmly held together, but individuals with joint pain or motor neuron disorders cannot easily open the mold
Solution Approach 1:
The mold incorporates a dynamic latch mechanism that can be easily engaged and disengaged. The latch provides firm connection strength during use but can be quickly released by pulling the halves apart, adapting to the needs of users with limited hand strength while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mold design allows users to easily open and close it themselves without requiring assistance or excessive force. The simple latch mechanism and separable halves enable individuals with joint pain or motor neuron disorders to independently operate the mold, empowering them to self-administer their medication.
3Ease of operation
If the mold requires fine motor skills to open, then precise control is maintained, but accessibility for people with disabilities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the mold into two separable halves with a simple latch, the invention maintains sufficient control precision for proper mold closure while dramatically improving accessibility. Users can easily engage the latch and separate the halves without requiring fine motor skills, making the device accessible to people with disabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters from requiring fine motor skills to requiring simple pulling motion. This parameter change maintains the functional integrity of the mold while making it accessible to users with limited dexterity, expanding the user base to include people with disabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A latching mechanism suitable for suppository molds, where the latching mechanism is designed to assist the separation of mold when the latch is released. In embodiments, the latching mechanism has a lever portion on a first mold half and a catch portion on a second mold half. The lever portion is configured to impinge upon the catch portion to provide a force to bias the first mold half away from the second mold half. Other embodiments include methods of utilizing such a catching mechanism with a suppository mold.