Tamper-Evident Closure Recess Reduces Frangible Connection Breakage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closures with tamper bands often experience frangible connections breaking during application to a container due to excessive deflection of the closure's sidewall.

Innovation Solution

A closure design featuring a recess in the interior surface of the tamper band to reduce the deflection of the container engagement structure when applied to a container, thereby minimizing stress on the frangible connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the closure is applied to a container without a recess, then the container engagement structure can engage the container, but excessive deflection of the sidewall occurs causing frangible connections to break

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrangible connection integrityVSAvoidsidewall deflection resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The recess is positioned ahead of the container engagement structure in the direction of closure application. When the closure is applied to the container, the container engagement structure engages the recess first, which cushions and absorbs the deflection forces before they reach the frangible connections. This beforehand cushioning prevents excessive sidewall deflection and protects the frangible connections from breaking during the application process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If the closure structure is rigid to prevent deflection, then frangible connections are protected, but the closure cannot properly engage the container

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrangible connection integrityVSAvoidcontainer engagement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closure structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the recess area that absorbs deflection, the container engagement structure that provides mechanical engagement, and the frangible connections that remain protected. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function - the recess handles deflection while the engagement structure maintains rigidity for proper container engagement, and the frangible connections remain intact until needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the recess is added to reduce deflection, then frangible connections are protected from breaking, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrangible connection integrityVSAvoidclosure structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The recess is integrated directly into the closure body structure rather than being a separate component. This merging of the recess feature with the existing closure geometry protects the frangible connections while minimizing additional complexity. The recess is formed as part of the overall closure molding or fabrication process, combining multiple functions into a single structural element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3908534B1Closure with recess for tamper-evident band

Publication Date: 2025.03.05 SILGAN WHITE CAP LLC

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A closure with a top panel, a skirt extending downward and away from the top panel, frangible connections that connect the skirt to a tamper band. The frangible connections provide a visual indication, when broken, that the closure has been opened. The tamper band includes a sidewall coupled to the frangible connections, the sidewall including a recess in which a pivotable engagement structure is displaced while the closure is applied to a container.