Container Closure Ring Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closure devices for containers, particularly those used for drugs, face challenges in securely locking the cap to prevent accidental or fraudulent access, as they may not remain firmly in place on the neck of the container.

Innovation Solution

A closure device featuring a plastic cap with a ring and a maneuvering member that includes a continuous outer peripheral flange and relief, ensuring the locking means are maintained in an active position, preventing removal of the cap without clear indication of the contents being accessed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cap is designed to be removable for access to contents, then ease of operation is improved, but security against fraudulent manipulation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to contentsVSAvoidsecurity against fraudulent manipulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cap is pre-configured with locking means that automatically engage when the cap is placed on the container neck. The maneuvering member is pre-positioned to activate these locking means, ensuring security is established before any attempt at removal or access, thus preventing fraudulent manipulation while maintaining legitimate access capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cap assembly is divided into functional segments: the cap body, the maneuvering member, and the locking means. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to operate independently to provide security, while the cap remains removable for legitimate access, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the locking means are made more complex to prevent accidental removal, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of accidental dismantlingVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The maneuvering member is designed to automatically activate the locking means through its own movement during cap installation. The relief on the maneuvering member self-engages with the locking means without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms, thus improving reliability while minimizing added complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The function of securing the cap and activating the locking mechanism are merged into a single action through the maneuvering member. This integration eliminates the need for separate securing mechanisms, maintaining reliability while reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2643231B1Device for stopping a container, and container provided with such a device
Publication Date: 2014.05.14 WEST PHARMA SERVICES DEUT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2643231B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2643231B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2643231B1 patent drawingFigure 6~10

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for stopping a container (1) having a neck (12), said device comprising a stopper (51) and a cap (52) consisting of a plastic material and able to surround both the stopper (51) and the neck (12). The cap (52) comprises a ring (53) that can surround the stopper and the neck when mounted and is provided with means (537) for locking onto the neck, and a body (54) for handling the ring, provided with first means for transmitting a thrust force to the ring and second means (541) for activating means for locking the ring. The ring (53) is provided with a continuous outer peripheral collar (5311), and the handling body (54) is provided with at least one raised element (5431) designed to abut (E4) against the continuous outer peripheral collar (5311) when it activates the locking means (537).