Hinge Segment Security Tab for Tamper-Evident Plastic Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Molded plastic containers with integral hinge pins for securing lids are vulnerable to unauthorized access and lack tamper evidence, as the snap-fit mechanism can be easily breached without indicating unauthorized entry.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a security tab with an undercut shoulder in the container lid and hinge segments, which includes pivotable hinge pins and segment rails, providing enhanced security and tamper evidence by requiring tools and force to access the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If integral hinge pins are used to secure the container lid, then the container structure is simplified and manufacturing cost is reduced, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates and tamper evidence capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into separate components: hinge pins, hinge segments, and security tabs. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the hinge pins provide rotation, the hinge segments provide structural support, and the security tabs provide tamper-evident security engagement with the container shoulder, thereby improving security while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through modular production
Solution Approach 2:
The security tab acts as an intermediary element between the hinge segment and the container shoulder. It provides an additional engagement mechanism that mediates between the simple snap-fit hinge connection and the container structure, adding a security layer that requires tool assistance to breach while maintaining the overall simplicity of the plastic-molded design
2Ease of operation
If simple snap-fit hinge pins are used, then ease of operation is improved, but tamper evidence capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The security tab is designed to exhibit visual changes or distinctive features when engaged or disengaged from the container shoulder. This allows the security status to be detected visually - when the security tab is properly engaged, it provides a visible indication of secure closure, and any attempt to breach the container would visibly disengage or damage the security tab, providing clear tamper evidence while maintaining normal lid operation
3Device complexity
If integral hinge pins are used, then device complexity is reduced, but security against tool-assisted breach deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly incorporates dynamic elements including the pivotable hinge pins that rotate during lid opening/closing, and the security tabs that can be engaged or disengaged. This dynamic design allows the hinge to function smoothly during normal operation while providing resistance to tool-assisted breach attempts, as the security tabs are designed to require significant force or tool assistance to disengage from the container shoulder undercut
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge segment is coupleable with a container lid for connecting the container lid to a container. The container has hinge segment openings with a shoulder defining an undercut. The hinge segment includes hinge pins pivotably securable in the hinge segment openings and a security tab engageable with the undercut. The design is particularly suited for containers with all plastic hinges and provides a high level of security and tamper evidence.