Bi-functional Tamper-indicating Member for Flip-top Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tamper-indicating closures lack a mechanism to irreversibly indicate if the lid is opened or if the base is removed from the container neck, requiring separate and redundant features for each event.
Innovation Solution
A flip-top dispensing closure with a bi-functional tamper-indicating member that breaks upon either the first opening of the lid or removal of the base, integrating the tamper-evident feature between the body and dispensing member, allowing for a single, unitary irreversible event to indicate both events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate tamper-indicating features are used for lid opening and base removal, then each event can be indicated, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate tamper-indicating functions into a single integrated tamper-indicating member. This member includes a first indicator for lid opening events and a second indicator for base removal events, both within one unified structure that fits between the body and dispensing member, eliminating the need for separate tamper bands or indicators for each event.
Solution Approach 2:
The tamper-indicating member is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs multiple tamper-indication functions. It can detect and indicate both lid opening events and base removal events through its integrated first and second indicators, making a single component serve universal tamper-evidence purposes for different opening scenarios.
2Reliability
If separate tamper-indicating features are used for lid opening and base removal, then each event can be indicated, but the weight of the closure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate tamper-indicating features into a single integrated tamper-indicating member, reducing the total material required and thus the weight of the closure while maintaining the ability to indicate both lid opening and base removal events.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified tamper-indicating member serves multiple tamper-evidence functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate weighted components for different opening events, thereby reducing overall closure weight while preserving comprehensive tamper indication capability.
3Device complexity
If a single tamper-indicating member is used for both lid opening and base removal, then weight and complexity are reduced, but the mechanism must handle multiple opening events
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper-indicating member is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first indicator portion for lid opening events and a second indicator portion for base removal events. This segmentation allows each portion to respond specifically to its designated event type while remaining part of a unified, low-complexity structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single tamper-indicating member is designed with multi-functional capability to detect and indicate different types of opening events (lid opening and base removal) through its integrated indicators, maintaining versatility in a simplified unified structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flip-top dispensing closure (10) is provided. The closure comprises: a base (12) connectable to a container neck (I); a lid (14) hingedly connected to the base so as to be movable between a closed position and an open position; and a dispensing member (20). The closure further comprises a tamper-indicating member (5). The tamper-indicating member (5) activates either: upon first opening of the lid (14); or if the base (12) is removed from the neck (I).