Tamper-Evident Capillary Insert with Segmented Break Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for liquid products lack a mechanism to prevent reuse as a dropper or multi-dose dispenser while also ensuring evidence of tampering or manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A capillary insert with one or more break zones is installed in the container, which prevents reuse by allowing total or partial breaking when subjected to external force, thus disabling proper dosage and leaving evidence of manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closure system with internal tabs is used to prevent tampering, then evidence of tampering is provided, but the device complexity increases and the closure cannot be removed for proper dosage administration
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into a first closure portion and a second closure portion that are separable from each other. The first portion remains on the container providing tamper evidence, while the second portion can be removed for dosage administration. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing both tamper evidence and removable functionality.
2Reliability
If a non-removable closure is used to prevent reuse, then container reuse is prevented, but the ease of operation for dosage administration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is segmented into two portions where the first portion provides permanent attachment to prevent container reuse, while the second portion is designed to be removable for ease of dosage administration. This allows the container to be secure against reuse while still allowing proper operation during initial use.
3Reliability
If a breakable seal system is used to provide tamper evidence, then evidence of manipulation is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure portions are pre-configured with breaking features that automatically activate upon attempted tampering. The first closure portion includes structures that break or separate from the second portion when tampering is attempted, providing tamper evidence without requiring complex additional mechanisms. The preliminary configuration of breaking features simplifies the overall system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The capillary insert effectively prevents the reuse of containers as droppers or multi-dose dispensers, ensuring the product is used in controlled amounts and providing evidence of tampering or manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
capillary insert to administer liquid products
Data Source
AI summary
The invention refers to a capillary insert (100) or cap that comprises a cone (110) in its upper part that ends in a skirt (120) forming a single piece, which leaves evidence if something in the insert (100) has changed or has been altered improperly. The capillary insert or cap of the present invention prevents its reuse and tampering through one or more breaking zones (130) located along the insert.