Cap Opening Indicator with Irreversible Shift Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety devices for containers do not provide reliable protection against unauthorized opening and re-capping, as they can be reassembled and lack visible external changes, allowing for potential reuse in unauthorized sales, and do not allow for additional consumer information to be displayed.
Innovation Solution
A container with a cap opening indicator featuring a movable opening indicator that shifts irreversibly upon opening, causing visible changes to the cap and preventing reassembly, which includes a backstop to maintain the open position and a design allowing for additional information display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-part ring indicator is used in the cap, then the opening status can be indicated, but elements of the indicator fall from the container and the latch with sharp edges remains on the cap
Solution Approach 1:
The opening indicator is divided into two functional parts: a fixed base portion attached to the cap body, and a movable indicator portion that shifts position. This segmentation allows the indicator to show opening status while all components remain securely attached to the cap, eliminating the problem of elements falling off.
2Reliability
If a safety lock with destructible ring is used, then opening indication is provided, but the safety tape can be reassembled and the cap shows no visible external changes, allowing re-use for unauthorized sale
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator portion is designed to dynamically shift position relative to the cap body when the cap is opened. This dynamic movement creates a visible external change that permanently indicates opening status, preventing reassembly for unauthorized resale while maintaining ease of legitimate opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator incorporates visual elements that change position or appearance when the cap is opened. This visual transformation provides clear external evidence of opening, making it impossible to conceal the opening status and preventing fraudulent re-capping for unauthorized sale.
3Reliability
If traditional safety indicators are used, then opening status can be shown, but additional consumer information cannot be placed on the closure element
Solution Approach 1:
The cap structure integrates multiple functions: the opening indicator serves both as a security feature and as a carrier for consumer information. The indicator portion can display product information, warnings, or branding, making the closure element a versatile information display platform while maintaining its security function.
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to safety indicators which clearly testify to the opening of a container intended to hold alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, cosmetic products, medicaments and other chemical products in various aggregate states. The technical result is to improve the reliability of protection of a container against unsanctioned opening and reclosing, to provide additional information to the consumer about the product, and to prevent the sale of counterfeit products. The claimed device comprises a container (1) with a neck, and a cap (2), which are connected to each other by a threaded connection (3). The opening indicator is located in the neck of the container (1), the upper part of the opening indicator (4) being made to permit the application of informative symbols, the middle part of the opening indicator (5) being made in the form of guiding elements which interact with the cap (2), and the lower part of the opening indicator (7) being made in the form of a working member which is able to interact with the neck of the container (1). The cap (2) is formed with a recess (10). The cap (2) interacts with the opening indicator kinetically, providing the possibility of their displacement relative to one another, and a reverse movement limiter (11) is mounted between the opening indicator and the cap.