Tamper-Evident Closure Cap Ring Structure for Secure Unscrewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plastic closure caps with tamper-evident bands face issues of reduced stability and reliability due to a locking lug protruding into the tamper-evident ring, compromising the retention function, especially for larger diameters, leading to potential unintentional detachment during unscrewing.
Innovation Solution
A closure cap design featuring a bridge section with thicker thickness than the rest of the tamper-evident ring, locking lugs with outward steps, and retaining ridges to ensure stability, along with hinges and predetermined breaking points for secure attachment and easy pivoting, preventing unintentional detachment and ensuring proper locking in the open position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking lug is formed on the threaded portion to lock onto the external thread in the open position, then the threaded portion can be secured in the open position, but the locking lug protrudes into the tamper-evident ring necessitating a recess that weakens the ring and increases risk of unintended detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented from the tamper-evident ring structure. The locking lugs are formed on the threaded portion as separate locking elements, while the bridge section of the tamper-evident ring is thickened to provide structural support without requiring recesses. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to function independently without compromising the integrity of the tamper-evident ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge section of the tamper-evident ring is given different local quality by thickening it compared to the rest of the ring. This localized thickening provides the necessary structural strength and stability in the critical bridge area without adding unnecessary material or complexity elsewhere in the ring structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tamper-evident ring has a larger diameter to accommodate the locking mechanism, then the locking function can be provided, but the ring becomes less dimensionally stable and more prone to being pulled off the bottle neck
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than uniformly increasing the ring diameter or thickness, the invention applies local quality by thickening only the bridge section that connects the retaining bands. This localized reinforcement provides the necessary dimensional stability and structural support for larger diameter rings without compromising overall stability or requiring proportional increases in material throughout the entire ring.
3Ease of operation
If the threaded portion is made detachable from the tamper-evident ring to allow opening, then the cap can be opened for pouring, but the connection may be accidentally compromised during use
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the threaded portion and tamper-evident ring is made dynamic through hinges that allow controlled movement. The threaded portion can pivot relative to the ring body, enabling the transition from closed to open position. This dynamic connection maintains reliability during normal use while allowing intentional opening when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinges are pre-configured with predetermined breaking points that are designed to fail only under specific conditions. This preliminary design ensures that the connection remains intact during normal handling and pouring operations, but can be reliably opened when intentional force is applied to the threaded portion.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a closure cap (11) for closing the pouring opening of a container, comprising: a cylindrical threaded portion (15) having an open rim (25), a first cylindrical sheath (23) and an internal thread formed on the inside of the sheath (23) and designed to cooperate with an external thread of a spout delimiting the pouring opening; a security ring (17) designed to be retained on a projection moulded onto the spout; and a plurality of security webs (63) releasably connecting the security ring (17) to the open rim (25). A web portion (69) has a greater thickness than the rest of the security ring (17). A first or second latching lug (71a, 71b) protrudes from the open rim (25) and a gap (72) is formed between the first and second latching lugs (71a, 71b), and a retaining web (73) is formed on the web portion (69) and protrudes into the gap (72) in the closed position.