Closure Device Tamper Evidence Rings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an economical and safe manufacturing process that provides improved tamper evidence indication for closure devices of containers storing flowable materials, as existing methods lack effective visual indicators to confirm if the closure has been opened.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing process for a closure device with a base element, a spout, and a lid connected by a hinge, featuring tamper evidence indication means comprising coaxially positioned first and second indication rings connected by radially oriented frangible bridges, which change optical properties when the lid is opened, allowing for visual verification of the closure's status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tamper evidence indication means are added to the closure device, then consumer confidence and safety are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper evidence indication means is nested within the closure device structure, with the first and second indication rings positioned coaxially and the frangible bridge integrated into the base element. This nesting approach adds the tamper evidence function without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as the indication rings utilize the existing spout and base element geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs optical property changes of the indication rings to provide tamper evidence. The first indication ring has a first optical property and the second indication ring has a second optical property, allowing visual detection of tampering without requiring complex mechanical or electronic indicators. This optical-based approach simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining reliable tamper evidence capability.
2Reliability
If frangible bridges are used to connect indication rings, then tamper evidence functionality is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible bridge is pre-formed as an integrated part of the base element during the molding process, rather than being assembled separately. This preliminary formation ensures precise positioning and consistent mechanical properties without requiring high-precision assembly operations. The bridge connects the first and second indication rings in a predetermined configuration that ensures reliable tamper evidence functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible bridge is merged with the base element as a single molded part, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps. This integration reduces the cumulative tolerance stack-up that would occur with separate components, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining the reliability of the tamper evidence mechanism.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If multiple indication rings with different optical properties are used, then visual detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the optical parameters of the indication rings to provide visual detection capability. The first indication ring has a first optical property and the second indication ring has a second optical property, allowing consumers to easily detect tamper status. These optical property changes are achieved through material selection and molding techniques rather than complex manufacturing processes, thereby improving detection capability without significantly increasing manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Different optical properties are applied locally to specific regions of the closure device (the first and second indication rings) rather than requiring different materials or processes for entire components. This localized application of optical properties allows for easy visual detection while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as the optical differences can be achieved through localized coloring or surface treatment during the molding process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the lid and base element are moulded separately and then assembled, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but assembly time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The lid and base element are merged into a single molded piece, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations. This integration maintains manufacturing flexibility as the entire closure device can still be produced using standard injection molding techniques, while simultaneously improving productivity by removing the assembly step. The hinge connection between lid and base element is formed as an integral part of the molded structure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a closure device (1) for a container (2) in which a flowable material (3) is stored whereby the manufacturing process comprises the following steps: Moulding of the base element (4), the lid (8) and the hinge (12) with the lid (8) being moulded in its open position, Closing of the lid (8) to the base element (4), Moulding of the tamper evidence indication means (13), whereby the tamper evidence indication means (13) comprising a first indication ring (14) and a second indication ring (15) being coaxially positioned to each other and which are connected by at least one radially oriented frangible bridge (6), Assembly of the tamper evidence indication means (13) into the base element (4) and the lid (8), Assembly of the spout (11) into the base element (4).