Closure Device Tamper Evidence Spring-Loaded Indication Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure devices for containers with flowable materials lack effective and economically viable tamper evidence mechanisms that ensure safe functionality and high quality perception, often resulting in undesirable clatter-like noises when opened.
Innovation Solution
A closure device featuring a base element, spout, and lid with tamper evidence indication means comprising a first and second indication ring connected by a frangible bridge, where the first indication ring is spring-loaded to maintain a defined position after disruption, preventing unwanted movement and noise, and enhancing visual distinguishability through differing optical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the first indication ring is allowed to move freely after frangible bridge disruption, then the tamper evidence indication is clear, but clatter-like noises are generated reducing quality perception
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arrangement is pre-configured to apply a holding force to the first indication ring, preventing it from moving freely after the frangible bridge disrupts. This preliminary constraint eliminates the clatter-like noises that would otherwise occur during container handling while maintaining the visual tamper evidence indication.
2Device complexity
If gravity-based movement is used for the first indication ring, then the structure is simple, but the function is unreliable under static friction conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arrangement changes the force parameter acting on the first indication ring from purely gravitational to spring-force-dominated. This ensures reliable movement and positioning of the indication ring even when static friction between the ring and container walls would otherwise prevent movement or cause inconsistent behavior.
3Loss of information
If the lid is made transparent to show the tamper evidence rings, then visual indication is improved, but privacy and aesthetic perception may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is made transparent only in the specific region where the tamper evidence rings are located, while other portions of the lid can maintain their original aesthetic properties. This localized transparency allows consumers to visually verify the tamper evidence status without compromising the overall aesthetic appearance or privacy concerns.
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 solution provides a reliable and visually distinct tamper evidence mechanism that prevents clatter-like noises and ensures safe functionality, even under static friction conditions, while maintaining a high-quality perception for the consumer.
Implementation Method 1
the first indication ring is coupled to a spring arrangement so that the first indication ring is spring-loaded in the direction of the container prior to the disruption of the frangible bridge/s, whereby the spring force applied to the first indication ring is configured to hold the first indication ring in a defined position after the disruption of the frangible bridge/s
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a closure device (1) for a container (2) in which a flowable material (3) is stored, including a base element (4), which can be fastened on a container opening (5) of the container (2), a spout (11) with a dispensing opening (7), whereby the spout (11) is positioned inboard of the base element (4), and a lid (8) connected to the base element (4) by a hinge (12), whereby the lid (8) can be moved back and forth between a closed position (9) so that the spout (11) is not accessible and an open position (10) in which the spout (11) is accessible, tamper evidence indication structures (13) for visually indicating if the lid (8) of closure device (1) has once been moved out of its closed position (9).