Flip-Top Closure With Detachable Tamper-Evident Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flip-top closures lack effective tamper evidence mechanisms, making it difficult to ensure the integrity of sealed contents after opening.
Innovation Solution
A flip-top closure design featuring frangible tamper-evidence tabs that detach and remain visible when the lid is opened, providing visual indication of tampering, with a base and lid configuration that includes recessed areas and undercut regions for secure locking and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flip-top closure uses a removable tamper-evident member, then tamper evidence is provided, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tamper-evident function with the closure lid itself by making the lid detachable from the base. The lid and base form an integrated unit when closed, but the lid can be separated from the base to provide tamper evidence. This merging eliminates the need for separate tamper-evident members while maintaining the tamper evidence function.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure is segmented into two main parts: a base and a lid. The lid is further segmented from the base through a detachable connection mechanism. When the lid is removed from the base, it provides visible tamper evidence. This segmentation allows the closure to maintain integrity during normal use while providing clear tamper indication when opened.
2Reliability
If a flip-top closure uses frangible elements connected to the closure, then tamper evidence is provided, but the ease of operation worsens due to difficulty in opening
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the lid and base transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic detachable connection. The lid can remain attached during normal handling but can be easily detached when opening is required. The detachable connection allows for controlled separation that provides tamper evidence without requiring excessive force or complex breaking actions.
3Reliability
If the lid is made to fully detach from the base, then tamper evidence is improved, but the closure loses its flip-top functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The lid detachment provides more tamper evidence than minimally required (excessive action), ensuring clear visibility of the opening event. The lid can be completely removed from the base to provide unambiguous tamper evidence, while the underlying base remains intact and can be reclosed with a new lid if needed. This partial detachment approach maintains flip-top functionality while providing superior tamper evidence.
Data Source
AI summary
A closure is provided for a container. The closure includes a base having a substantially cylindrical shape with a recessed area along a top perimeter of the base. The closure also includes a lid configured to close over and open off of the base. The closure further includes a tab that extends from a lower surface of the lid and includes a lip portion configured to fold back onto the tab and lock with the base when the lid is closed over the base. The tab detaches from the lid when opening the lid from the base after the lip portion is folded back onto the tab. A portion of the outer surface of the tab is visible through the at least one recessed area after the lid is closed over the base and remains partially visible after the tab has detached from the lid.