Tamper Evident Child Resistant Closure Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Molded plastic container/closure combinations lack effective tamper evident, child resistant, and easy closure removal features, particularly for users with limited dexterity.
Innovation Solution
A molded plastic container/closure combination featuring a latch and release tab mechanism for tamper evidence, a complex opening process to prevent child access, and bayonets and ramps for easy closure removal, which includes a tamper evident feature through partial fracture, a child resistant feature requiring coordinated actions, and a removal facilitation feature allowing lift during rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple closure design is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but tamper evident and child resistant features cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is divided into multiple functional components: a frangible latch for tamper evidence, a release tab for controlled opening, and bayonet engagement features for secure attachment. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the closure to achieve multiple security and usability features through modular design elements integrated into a single molded piece.
2Reliability
If a tear band is used for tamper evidence, then tamper indication is achieved, but device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the tear band component entirely and integrates the tamper evident function directly into the closure structure itself. The frangible latch is molded as part of the closure, eliminating the need for separate tear bands and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining tamper indication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tamper evident latch, closure sealing function, and opening mechanism are merged into a single integrated closure component. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate tear bands and multiple discrete parts, achieving tamper evidence while simplifying the overall container-closure system.
3Reliability
If a simple opening mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but child resistant features cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The opening mechanism requires a dynamic two-step process: first depressing the release tab to disengage the latch, then rotating the closure to open. This dynamic sequence of actions creates a child-resistant barrier while remaining operable by adults with normal dexterity. The mechanism adapts its resistance based on the user's ability to perform coordinated movements.
4Reliability
If a secure latch mechanism is used, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation for persons with limited dexterity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The release tab acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the user and the secure latch mechanism. By providing a dedicated tab to depress first, it simplifies the interaction for users with limited dexterity, allowing them to disengage the secure latch through a single-point pressure action rather than requiring complex manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates a preliminary action step where the release tab is depressed before the closure can be rotated open. This preliminary displacement of the latch mechanism prepares the system for easier subsequent opening, breaking down the secure closure into manageable sequential steps that are more accessible to users with varying dexterity levels.
Data Source
AI summary
A molded plastic container/closure combination providing a tamper evident feature, a child resistant feature and a removal facilitation feature. The closure has radially extending bayonets extending from the outer skirt which fit into horizontal slots in a beam molded integrally with the sidewall of the container. Rotation of the closure in one direction brings the bayonets into the slots for locking purposes. Rotation in the opposite direction unlocks the closure and continued rotation lifts the closure relative to the container to facilitate removal. A resiliently mounted release tab must be depressed before unlocking rotation is permitted. A latch prevents depression of the release tab until anchors on the sides of the latch are fractured. Serrations acting between the tab and the bayonets provide an audible indication of rotation.