Symmetrical Child-Resistant Closure with Deflectable Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child-resistant closure systems are not sufficiently discreet, allowing children to unintentionally open containers due to visible deflectable tabs, and they are often asymmetrical, making them difficult to manufacture using efficient two-stage injection stretch blow molding and incompatible with automated dispensing machines.
Innovation Solution
A child-resistant closure system with a symmetrical rim and a deflectable locking mechanism accessible through a small gap in the closure's flange, allowing users to deflect the locking portion using a foreign object or a specialized tool, while maintaining a symmetrical design suitable for two-stage stretch blow molding and automated handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deflectable tab is extended from the container neck ring to enable child-resistant locking, then the closure system achieves child-resistant functionality, but the neck ring becomes asymmetrical which prevents efficient two-stage injection stretch blow molding and automated dispensing machine compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The locking functionality is extracted from the container neck ring and transferred to the closure component. The closure now contains the deflectable tab and locking mechanism, while the container maintains a symmetrical neck ring suitable for automated manufacturing and dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the container asymmetrical to achieve child-resistant locking, the invention inverts the approach by making the closure asymmetrical. This allows the container to remain symmetrical for efficient manufacturing while the closure provides the child-resistant functionality.
2Ease of operation
If a deflectable tab is made visible and accessible to enable user operation, then the closure can be opened by users, but children can also easily recognize and open it unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
A small access opening or gap is provided in the closure flange that allows insertion of a thin tool (such as a coin or key) to deflect the locking tab. This intermediary access method enables intentional opening by adults while preventing easy access by children who cannot manipulate small openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure flange has a localized small opening specifically positioned for tool insertion, while the rest of the closure maintains a smooth, closed appearance. This creates different functional qualities in different locations: concealed protection overall with a localized access point for authorized users.
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 enhances the difficulty for children to recognize and open the closure system and allows for efficient manufacturing and handling in automated systems, ensuring the closure remains secure while being compatible with various manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a break disposed in the rim adjacent to the locking tab, the break operable to form a deflectable locking portion of the rim
Data Source
AI summary
A closure system includes a container and a closure. The container including a rim extending perpendicular to the side wall, the rim including a locking lug extending from an upper surface of the rim and a break disposed in the rim adjacent to the locking tab, the break operable to form a deflectable locking portion of the rim. The closure including a side wall, a flange extending perpendicular to the side wall, and a locking lug disposed within the flange for engaging the corresponding locking lug of the container. The flange may include a gap portion disposed adjacent to the locking lug for allowing a user to deflect the deflectable locking portion of the container through the gap portion in the flange to disengage the locking lug of the container from the locking lug of the closure.