Flip-top Closure With Living Hinge and Tamper-evident Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flip-top closures for containers with spouts do not effectively prevent accidental dispensing of flowable products and lack a reliable tamper-evident mechanism, which can lead to product tampering and inconsistent sealing.
Innovation Solution
A flip-top closure system comprising a spout and lid with a living hinge, a sealing member, and a tamper-evident feature, where the spout and lid are formed as a unitary one-piece construction using thermoplastic or elastomeric materials, featuring a threaded collar for secure attachment to the container fitment and a frangible connection for the tamper-evident feature to indicate opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flip-top closure with spout is used for dispensing flowable products, then convenient dispensing is achieved, but accidental dispensing cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is divided into functionally independent segments: a spout assembly for dispensing and a cap assembly with flip-top lid for controlled access. The cap can be independently positioned to cover or expose the spout opening, separating the dispensing function from the protective function. This segmentation allows the cap to act as a barrier preventing accidental dispensing while the spout remains ready for intentional use.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap assembly is pre-positioned in a closed state that covers the spout opening, establishing a default protective condition before use. The flip-top lid is pre-configured to require deliberate opening action, ensuring the product remains secured until the user intentionally activates the dispensing function by opening the lid.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional sealing methods are used, then basic closure is achieved, but consistent sealing and tamper evidence are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is localized to specific features: an O-ring seal positioned at the interface between the spout and cap, and a gasket within the spout assembly. These localized sealing elements provide consistent, reliable seals at critical points. Meanwhile, the tamper-evident band is localized to the cap assembly, providing visual verification of integrity without interfering with the sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The O-ring seal and gasket are pre-installed in their sealing positions during assembly, ensuring consistent sealing from the outset. The tamper-evident band is pre-applied to the cap in a sealed state, providing immediate visual indication of tampering. Both sealing and tamper-evidence features are prepared in advance to function automatically upon assembly or opening.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate components are used for spout and lid, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spout and lid are merged into a unitary one-piece construction formed from a single piece of thermoplastic or elastomeric material. This integration eliminates the need for separate components and assembly steps, reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through material selection and molding techniques. The unified structure ensures consistent sealing and eliminates potential failure points from component interfaces.
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 closure system ensures consistent sealing, prevents accidental dispensing, and provides a visual and audible indication of tampering, enhancing product security and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a lid pivotally coupled with the spout
Implementation Method 2
a frangible connection for the tamper-evident feature to indicate opening
Data Source
AI summary
A flip-top closure includes a spout, a lid, and a hinge member. The spout is configured for coupling with a fitment of a container. The spout includes a base portion, a tip portion, and a main body. The base portion defines a retention receptacle and an inlet. The inlet includes a first diameter. The tip portion extends from the base portion and defines a dispensation outlet. The base portion and the tip portion cooperate to define a passageway that extends between the inlet and the dispensation outlet. The lid includes a main body that includes an upper wall and a sidewall that cooperate to define an interior. The hinge member is coupled with each of the spout and the sidewall of the main body. The hinge member is configured to facilitate pivoting of the lid between a closed position and an opened position.