Tamper Resistant Clamshell Container With Internal Posts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamshell containers with tamper-evident features can be compromised through undetectable manipulation, such as racking or downward pressure, which defeats the purpose of indicating tampering, and require costly equipment for secure sealing.
Innovation Solution
A thermoformed thermoplastic clamshell container with a lid connected by an integral hinge and a weakened region near the hinge, featuring narrow posts on the base that engage with the lid to resist separation and distortion, making it difficult to open without leaving evidence of tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lid is connected to the base with an integral hinge and perimeter sealing structure, then the container provides tamper-evident features, but the container can still be opened without severing the lid from the base through maneuvers such as racking or downward pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating internal walls within the projecting member that extend downward to engage with the base. These internal walls create resistance before any tampering occurs, preventing the lid from being distorted or separated without visible damage. The internal walls act as preemptive structural barriers that maintain the integrity of the seal while allowing legitimate opening through the designated tab.
2Ease of operation
If downward pressure is applied to the lid close to the peripheral seal, then the lid can be distorted downwardly to pull away from the base perimeter, but this defeats the package tamper-evident features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating varying wall thicknesses and structural densities within the projecting member. The internal walls are strategically positioned to provide localized reinforcement at critical points where tampering forces would be applied. This allows the lid to maintain its seal integrity under normal handling while requiring significant force to distort, which would visibly damage the container and indicate tampering.
3Ease of operation
If the sides of the container are gripped and rotated in opposite directions, then the projecting member can be distorted to pull away from the base, breaking the resilient seal, but this maneuver is not easily detectable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the internal walls within the projecting member to engage with the base before any rotational or distorting forces are applied. These internal walls create a mechanical interlock that prevents the projecting member from being distorted without first overcoming significant resistance. Any attempt to rotate or twist the container would immediately engage these internal walls, making the tampering attempt evident through visible distortion or damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamshell container has a lid connected to a base by an integral hinge. The lid has a perimeter projecting member which engages with a peripheral base sealing wall in a closed configuration so that it is difficult for a user to open the container without tearing the lid along a weakened region of material along the hinge. To aid in resisting undetectable tampering, the container has a post which projects from the side wall and extends less than the length of the side wall within the container. The post has an engaging wall which faces towards a base sealing wall and which is spaced from the sealing wall to define a gap which receives the closed lid's projecting member. Distortion of the closed container which tends to urge the lid projecting member away from the base sealing wall engages it with the post engaging wall to resist tampering.