Dual-Cap Vessel Closure with Shear Zone Tamper Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vessel cap systems for medical imaging contrast media lack a reliable and obvious tamper-indicating mechanism while requiring a controllable force for removal, posing challenges for imaging technicians with varying grip strength and potential reattachment issues.
Innovation Solution
A dual-cap system with a primary cap and a removable secondary cap featuring a shear zone that breaks upon removal, preventing reinstallation and providing a clear external indicator of tampering, along with a threaded engagement mechanism for secure sealing against air and moisture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welded tamper evident bands are used on vessel caps, then reliable tamper indication is achieved, but the force required to remove the cap becomes un controllably high (50-100N)
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly is segmented into a primary cap with welded tamper evident band and a secondary removable cap. The secondary cap is held by friction fit and can be removed with moderate force, while the primary cap remains secured to the vessel with the welded band providing reliable tamper indication if attempted to be removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary cap is extracted as a separate removable component from the primary cap assembly. This allows the secondary cap to be easily removed for vessel access while the primary cap with the welded tamper evident band remains in place to provide continuous tamper protection and indication.
2Ease of operation
If pull rings with tabs are used as closure mechanism, then ease of removal is improved, but the ability to prevent reattachment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary cap is designed as a disposable component with a breakable frangible bridge. Upon removal, the frangible bridge breaks irreversibly, preventing the secondary cap from being reattached to the primary cap, thus providing reliable tamper prevention while maintaining ease of removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible bridge includes a visual indicator that changes state upon breaking. When intact, it shows one appearance; when broken, it shows a different appearance, providing clear visual indication that the cap has been removed and cannot be reattached.
3Strength
If strong welded bands are used to secure caps, then seal durability against air and moisture is improved, but the difficulty of removal increases for technicians with limited grip strength
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into two layers: the primary cap with the welded tamper evident band provides the strong seal against air and moisture, while the secondary cap provides an additional seal that can be easily removed. This segmentation allows the strong seal to remain in place while enabling easy access through removal of the lighter secondary cap.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap system transitions from a static strong seal to a dynamic two-stage removal system. The secondary cap is designed with dynamic characteristics allowing easy removal through simple pulling motion, while the primary cap maintains its static strong seal position on the vessel.
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 dual-cap system ensures a durable seal against contamination, provides a clear indication of tampering, and allows for controlled removal with a consistent force, enhancing the security and usability of medical imaging media storage.
Implementation Method 1
the lug having a shear zone that contacts the projection when the primary and secondary caps are engaged and secured to a vessel. When the secondary cap is removed from the primary cap, the shear zone is broken by the projection
Implementation Method 2
a primary cap having a threaded portion that is configured to selectively engage corresponding threads of a vessel to secure the primary cap to the vessel
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for securing a vessel includes a primary cap having a threaded portion that is configured to selectively engage corresponding threads of a vessel to secure the primary cap to the vessel, and at least one projection. The apparatus further includes a removable secondary cap configured to engage the primary cap to secure the vessel, the secondary cap including at least one lug, the lug having a shear zone that contacts the projection when the primary and secondary caps are engaged and secured to a vessel. When the secondary cap is removed from the primary cap, the shear zone is broken by the projection such that the secondary cap cannot by reinstalled on the primary cap.