Tamper-Evident Single-Use Container With Frangible Plastic Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-use containers for unitary dose pharmaceutical products, such as pills or capsules, lack tamper-evidence and are not suitable for holding loose or granular forms, as they can be repeatedly opened and closed, compromising the integrity of the contents.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-evident single-use container with a plastic body featuring a reduced thickness connecting region between the container body and a removable head section, which breaks when removed, ensuring the container cannot be reclosed, and includes protrusions or depressions for easy gripping and potential customization, using suitable polymers that may include active agents for moisture and gas control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional openable cover is used on tubular containers, then the container can be opened and closed repeatedly, but the container is not tamper-evident and can be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two main segments: a reusable tubular container body and a removable head section. The head section is integrally connected to the container body through a frangible connecting region that can be broken to separate the segments. This segmentation allows the container to be opened by breaking the connecting region while preventing reclosure, thus providing tamper-evidence while maintaining ease of opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The head section is pre-formed with a frangible connecting region that is designed to break at a specific point during the first opening action. This preliminary design ensures that the container can be opened easily on first use but cannot be reclosed, as the connecting region is permanently broken. The frangible feature is built in during manufacturing, eliminating the need for additional tamper-evidence mechanisms.
2Reliability
If glass containers with breakable heads are used, then tamper-evidence is provided, but sharp-edged chips are generated when the head is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameter of the container is changed from glass to plastic. This parameter change maintains the tamper-evident functionality through the frangible connecting region while eliminating the harmful effect of sharp-edged chips. The plastic material provides a safer breaking pattern that does not generate dangerous shards, thus resolving the contradiction between tamper-evidence and safety.
3Reliability
If the head section is integrally connected to the container body, then the container is inviolable, but the connecting region must be weakened to allow removal
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting region is designed with local quality differentiation: the majority of the container structure maintains full strength and integrity, while the connecting region specifically is weakened to provide a frangible connection. This localized weakening allows the head section to be removed by breaking the connecting region while the rest of the container remains strong and inviolable. The frangible feature is created by reducing the wall thickness or adding a score line at the connecting region.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tamper-evident single-use container for holding unitary doses, especially solid pharmaceutical products, comprises a container body (12) made of a plastic material with a bottom end (14) and a tubular top end (16); and a head section (18) closing the top end (16); wherein the head section (18) is integrally connected to the container body (12) at a connecting region (20); and wherein the thickness of the plastic material at the connecting region (20) is reduced by at least 50% as compared to the wall thickness of the container body (12).