Dispensing Closure Tamper-Evident Element Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing closures lack effective tamper-evident properties, making it difficult to determine if the closure has been opened previously, especially when attempts are made to hide or reposition the tamper-evident elements.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing closure design featuring a tamper-evident element with frangible elements and a weakening region, attached to a base element with an inclined shoulder region, which deforms visibly upon first opening and shifts due to gravity, enhancing the tamper-evident functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tamper-evident element is attached to the base element by frangible elements, then the closure provides tamper-evident indication, but the tamper-evident element can be repositioned or hidden after opening
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper-evident element is divided into multiple segments separated by weakening regions, allowing it to deform into a specific pattern when the frangible elements break. This segmented structure ensures that even if the element is repositioned, the deformation pattern remains visible and cannot be restored to its original smooth state.
Solution Approach 2:
The weakening regions are pre-formed in the tamper-evident element during manufacturing, creating predetermined break points. When the frangible elements break during first opening, the force is concentrated at these weakening regions, causing the element to deform in a specific, visible pattern that permanently indicates tampering has occurred.
2Loss of information
If the shoulder region is inclined to allow tamper-evident element deformation, then visual indication of opening is enhanced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder region is designed with an asymmetric inclination rather than a symmetric circular shape. This asymmetric geometry creates a specific deformation pattern in the tamper-evident element when force is applied, making the opening status more visually distinguishable while adding minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclination angle of the shoulder region is carefully optimized to provide sufficient deformation visibility without excessive structural complexity. By adjusting this geometric parameter, the design achieves the desired tamper-evident effect with a simple, manufacturable structure.
3Loss of information
If a weakening region is added to the tamper-evident element, then deformation visibility is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The weakening regions are incorporated into the tamper-evident element during the initial molding process, creating predetermined break points that guide the deformation pattern. This preliminary formation of weakness points ensures consistent and visible deformation without requiring high-precision post-manufacturing adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The weakening regions create localized areas of reduced material strength at specific positions in the tamper-evident element. These localized quality changes concentrate the deformation in specific visible areas when force is applied, enhancing the tamper indication without requiring high precision throughout the entire element.
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 design provides a secure and obvious indication of the closure's opening status, even if attempts are made to reposition or hide the tamper-evident element, thereby enhancing the tamper-evident capabilities and preventing manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
said shoulder region of said base element, to which said frangible elements of said tamper-evident element are attached, is inclined such that it declines in an outward direction of the base element
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a dispensing closure comprising a base element (100), which can be attached to a neck of a container, a flip-top lid (200), being attached to said base element by a hinge and being movable between a closed and an opened position, and a tamper-evident element (300) extending in a circumferential direction around at least part of the circumference of said dispensing closure, wherein the tamper-evident element has at least one weakening region (340) extending at least over part of the height of the tamper-evident element and/or wherein a shoulder (180) region of the base element, to which frangible elements of the tamper-evident element are attached, is inclined such that it declines in an outward direction of the base element.