Automated Closure Cap Tamper-Evident Band and Leak Testing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face complexity in testing the properties of closure lids, including tamper-evident bands and fastening elements, and leak tightness, requiring manual or manually operated methods that are inefficient and not suitable for high-throughput production.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sealing piston and drive element for forming a sealed chamber, allowing for automated testing of both tamper-evident band connection strength and leak tightness, using gas pressure to detect leaks and measure breakaway force, with integrated cutting and collection mechanisms for tamper bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual or manually operated testing devices are used for testing tamper-evident bands and leak tightness, then the testing process is simple to operate, but the productivity is low and cannot meet high-throughput production requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple testing functions into a single automated device: the sealing piston performs leak tightness testing by forming a sealed chamber and applying pressure, while the drive element simultaneously tests the tamper-evident band connection strength by pulling the cap. This integration of multiple testing operations into one automated system resolves the contradiction by increasing productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both leak tightness testing and tamper-evident band testing in one apparatus. The sealing piston handles the leak test while the drive element handles the band test, allowing the device to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate manual operations, thereby improving throughput while maintaining manageable complexity.
2Loss of time
If separate testing procedures are used for tamper-evident band strength and leak tightness, then each test can be performed independently, but the overall testing process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous testing by performing the leak tightness test and the tamper-evident band test in an integrated sequence without interruption. The sealing piston and drive element operate in coordination to test both properties continuously, eliminating the time loss associated with separate testing procedures while managing complexity through automated sequencing of the test steps.
3Productivity
If automated testing is implemented for high-throughput production, then productivity increases, but the device complexity and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated testing device is segmented into distinct functional modules: the sealing piston module for leak testing, the drive element module for band strength testing, the force measuring device for quantification, and the cutting device for tamper band handling. This segmentation allows the complex automated system to be built and operated as manageable independent components, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining high productivity through automation.
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
Enables efficient, automated testing of both tamper-evident band properties and leak tightness, reducing manual effort and increasing production line inspection frequency to minimize defects and rejects, while ensuring consistent quality control.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing piston (140) with a sealing structure, such that a sealed chamber can be formed between the sealing piston and the lid base
Implementation Method 2
a device for setting a predetermined gas pressure in the chamber and a device for detecting gas escaping from the chamber and/or gas entering the chamber
Implementation Method 3
a force measuring device for measuring the breakaway force during the relative movement between the tamper-evident band and/or fastening means and the lid base body
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A device for testing a connection of a tamper-evident band and/or at least one fastening means of a closure lid with a lid base body and for testing the tightness of the lid base body comprises a drive element (180) for grasping the tamper-evident band and/or the at least one fastening means and a contact element (170) for the lid base body, wherein the drive element (180) and the contact element (170) are movable relative to each other in an interaction direction such that a breakaway force can be exerted on connecting elements between the lid base body and the tamper-evident band and/or the at least one fastening means.The device further comprises a force measuring device (171) for measuring the breakaway force during the relative movement between the tamper-evident band and/or fastening means and the lid base body, a sealing plunger (140) with a sealing structure such that a sealed chamber can be formed between the sealing plunger (140) and the lid base body, a device for setting a predetermined gas pressure in the chamber, and a device for detecting gas escaping from the chamber and/or gas entering the chamber. The driving element (180) and the sealing plunger (140) are arranged together on a support (181) movable in the direction of interaction, spaced apart perpendicular to the direction of interaction.