Multi-action Breakaway Hinge for Tamper-evident Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tamper-evident food containers require complete removal of additional parts, generating extra waste and are complex and costly to manufacture, while also lacking breathability and liquid resistance.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-evident container with a multi-action breakaway hinge that remains connected to the lid, allowing for various breaking methods without separate pull tabs or strips, providing breathability and preventing liquid entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pull tab or strip is completely removed from the container to indicate tampering, then tamper evidence is achieved, but extra waste is generated and manufacturing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is segmented into two functional portions: a first portion that breaks away from the base to provide tamper evidence, and a second portion that remains connected to the lid. This segmentation allows the container to indicate tampering without requiring complete removal of the hinge structure, thereby reducing waste while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The breakable feature is extracted from a separate pull tab or strip and integrated directly into the hinge structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate removable components, reducing manufacturing complexity and material waste while achieving the same tamper evidence function.
2Reliability
If a separate pull tab or strip is used for tamper evidence, then tamper indication is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper indication function is merged with the hinge structure itself rather than being implemented as a separate pull tab or strip. The hinge serves dual purposes: providing the mechanical connection between lid and base, and simultaneously providing the tamper evidence through its breakable first portion. This integration reduces device complexity and manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural connection, user interaction (for opening), and tamper evidence. By making the hinge universal for multiple functions, the need for separate specialized components like pull tabs is eliminated, simplifying the overall device.
3Reliability
If the lid edges are hidden in the base to prevent tampering, then security is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge acts as an intermediary mechanism that reconciles the conflict between hidden lid edges and ease of opening. While the lid edges remain hidden for security, the hinge provides a dedicated interaction point that users can manipulate to initiate the breaking and opening process, maintaining both security and usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge is pre-configured with a breakable first portion that is designed to fail at a predetermined location when subjected to user force. This preliminary design allows users to easily open the container by applying force to the hinge, which will break away to reveal the lid edges and facilitate further opening, thus maintaining ease of operation without compromising security.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel and unique container of a general clamshell configuration is provided. The hinge of the container of the present invention is particularly unique in that it not only provides a hinged connection between the lid and the base of the container for ease of use by the contents manufacturer during filling but is also breakable in different ways to provide a tamper-evident function without creating small parts that must be disposed of separately from the lid.