Closure Device Tamper Evidence Rings Nesting
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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 safety and hygiene while maintaining an aesthetically appealing appearance.
Innovation Solution
A closure device featuring a base element, spout, and lid with tamper evidence indication rings connected by a frangible bridge, which moves axially when the lid opens, providing visual indication of opening and protecting the spout from dust and insects through a labyrinth sealing arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tamper evidence indication means are added to closure devices, then consumer confidence and safety are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second indication rings are nested coaxially within each other, with the second ring positioned inside the first ring. This nesting arrangement allows multiple indication functions to be integrated in a compact space, providing clear tamper evidence while minimizing the increase in device complexity and maintaining an aesthetically appealing appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The indication rings utilize the axial dimension for tamper evidence indication, with the rings positioned at different axial locations. The axial movement of the first ring relative to the second ring creates a visible indication of tampering, effectively using spatial dimensionality to convey information without significantly increasing radial or lateral complexity.
2Loss of information
If indication rings are positioned to provide clear visual indication, then tamper evidence functionality is improved, but spout protection from dust and insects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The indication rings are nested within the closure device structure, with the second ring inside the first ring, both positioned within the confines of the closure device. This nesting ensures that the rings do not protrude outward to collect dust or insects, while still providing clear visual indication when the first ring moves axially relative to the second ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure device is segmented into functional zones: the indication rings occupy the central axial space for visual indication, while the peripheral regions maintain sealing and protective functions. This segmentation allows the indication function to be clearly visible without compromising the spout protection from dust and insects.
3Reliability
If frangible bridge is used for tamper evidence, then irreversible indication of opening is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible bridge is designed with localized structural characteristics that make it susceptible to disruption at specific stress concentration points. The bridge has varying thickness or cross-sectional properties along its length, creating predetermined weak points that ensure reliable disruption during lid opening while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility with standard precision tolerances.
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, comprising 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) in which the lid (8) closes the dispensing opening (7) so that the spout (11) is not accessible and an open position (10) in which the spout (11) is accessible, tamper evidence indication means (13) for visually indicating if the lid (8) of the closure device (1) has once been moved out of its closed position (9).