Tamper-Evident Cap with Pivot Tab and Breakable Bridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tamper-evident indicators for container caps are not easily visible, making it difficult to confirm if the cap has been opened previously.
Innovation Solution
A cap design with a pivotally mounted tab connected to the lid via breakable bridges, featuring irreversible hooks that engage with a housing on the base, ensuring the tab remains locked until the bridges are broken, and moves visibly upon opening, indicating the first opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tamper-evident device with breakable links is used, then the tamper-evident function is provided, but the visibility of the rupture is not sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by making the tab visible and distinct from the base, and the breakable bridge creates a visible separation when broken. The tab's position change from covering the base to being detached provides clear visual indication of tampering through color/position contrast.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the tamper-evident indication from a hidden internal mechanism to a visible external dimension. The tab extends from the base and its detachment creates a spatial dimension change that is easily observable, transforming the rupture detection from internal to external visibility.
2Ease of operation
If the tab is simply attached to the lid with breakable links, then the opening mechanism works, but the tab does not provide sufficient visual indication of opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by designing the tab to provide visual information about the lid's opening state. When the lid is opened and the breakable bridge breaks, the tab detaches and moves to a new position, providing immediate visual feedback to the user that the container has been opened.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the tab to cover part of the base when the lid is closed. This initial position serves as the 'before' state, and when the lid is opened, the tab's movement to a detached position provides clear visual evidence of the opening action.
3Reliability
If the tab is pivotally mounted with irreversible hooks, then the tab remains locked until opening, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tab assembly into distinct functional components: the tab itself, the breakable bridge, and the pivotally mounted locking tab with hooks. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple and manufacturable.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention concerns a cap (1) for a rigid container comprising a base (2) arranged to be mounted on the opening of a container, a lid (3) secured to the base via a hinge (4), and an opening device comprising a tamperproof element (13) characterised in that the tamperproof element comprises a tab (13) linked to the lid (3) by a breakable bridge (30), and a lug (17) secured to the base, the lug (17) comprising means (18) for immobilising the tab (13) arranged to keep the tab (13) on the base (2) when the lid (3) shifts from the closed position to the open position.