Tamper-Evident Closure Retaining Collar Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing closure system for containers, which includes a flexible retaining collar and a tamper-evident ring connected by frangible elements, can deform elastically and accidentally fall into the container during unscrewing, leading to unreliable retention and potential ingestion by consumers.
Innovation Solution
The closure system is designed with a flexible retaining collar that extends between the fixing skirt and the tamper-evident ring during the first screwing back after the frangible elements break, ensuring the flexible retaining element hooks into an annular attachment housing, preventing accidental removal and providing reliable retention and easy visualization of prior opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the retaining elements are made flexible to allow easy unscrewing of the sealing plug, then the ease of operation is improved, but the retaining collar can deform elastically and accidentally fall into the container, worsening the reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining collar is divided into two functional zones: an first portion that remains radial and maintains the annular attachment housing for secure retention, and a second portion that is deformable to allow the retaining elements to flex during unscrewing. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the retaining collar are given different mechanical properties: the first portion is designed to be rigid and maintain its radial configuration to preserve the attachment housing, while the second portion is designed to be flexible to accommodate the unscrewing motion. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between retention reliability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the retaining collar is made rigid to prevent accidental removal, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in unscrewing
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining collar is divided into two functional zones: an first portion that remains radial and maintains the annular attachment housing for secure retention, and a second portion that is deformable to allow the retaining elements to flex during unscrewing. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the retaining collar are given different mechanical properties: the first portion is designed to be rigid and maintain its radial configuration to preserve the attachment housing, while the second portion is designed to be flexible to accommodate the unscrewing motion. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between retention reliability and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the retaining elements are made flexible to facilitate removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the tamper evident ring can fall into the container, worsening the harmful factors
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining collar is divided into two functional zones: an first portion that remains radial and maintains the annular attachment housing for secure retention, and a second portion that is deformable to allow the retaining elements to flex during unscrewing. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the retaining collar are given different mechanical properties: the first portion is designed to be rigid and maintain its radial configuration to preserve the attachment housing, while the second portion is designed to be flexible to accommodate the unscrewing motion. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between retention reliability and ease of operation.
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
This configuration ensures reliable retention of the tamper-evident ring on the neck part, preventing accidental ingestion and allowing easy visualization of prior openings, thereby enhancing the safety and functionality of the closure system.
Implementation Method 1
the retaining collar being configured to extend at least in part between the fastening skirt and the tamper-evident ring during the first screwing back of the stopper on the neck part after breaking the frangible elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
A shutoff system (2) comprises a neck element (3) that is intended to be fastened to the container and comprises a neck part (4) provided with a retaining collar (7); a cap (14) that is to be screwed onto the neck part (4) and comprises a shutoff wall (15) and a fastening skirt (16); and a tamper-evident ring (19) that is connected to the fastening skirt (16) by breakable elements (22). The tamper-evident ring comprises flexible retaining elements (23) for engaging with the retaining collar. With the cap screwed on, the retaining collar (7) defines an annular coupling housing (11) in which the retaining elements can be received. The retaining collar can extend at least in part between the skirt (16) and the ring (19) when the cap is screwed back on after being opened for the first time.