Integrated Tamper-Evident Seal for Liquid Dispensing Taps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing taps for containers, particularly 'bag-in-box' systems, do not comply with new European and international directives on disposable plastics (SUP) as their tamper-evident seals detach and are not recyclable, leading to environmental dispersion.
Innovation Solution
A redesigned dispensing tap with an integrated tamper-evident seal that remains bound to the tap after use, featuring a manual opening mechanism and flexible hinges, ensuring compliance with SUP regulations by preventing seal dispersion and allowing for proper recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a removable tamper-evident seal is used, then the seal can be removed after use, but the seal detaches and disperses into the environment, violating SUP regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is merged with the cap by integrating the seal into the cap structure itself, making them a single unified component that cannot separate. This eliminates the harmful dispersion issue while maintaining the tamper-evident function, as the seal becomes an inherent part of the cap assembly rather than a detachable element.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables the entire cap with integrated seal to be recovered and recycled together as a single unit, complying with SUP regulations. The seal material is not discarded separately but is recovered along with the cap, transforming the disposal scenario from fragmented waste to unified recyclable material.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the seal is integrated into the cap, then the seal remains bound and recyclable, but the seal must maintain aesthetic appearance and functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is integrated into specific localized areas of the cap where it serves functional purposes, such as the rim or flange regions. This localized integration maintains the overall aesthetic appearance of the cap while ensuring the seal remains bound, allowing different parts of the cap to have different functional qualities without compromising overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is designed with segmented functional zones, where the seal integration is confined to specific segments or regions that do not interfere with the overall aesthetic appearance. This segmentation allows the seal to be bound while maintaining visual appeal in other areas of the cap.
3Device complexity
If the cap is designed for manual opening, then the opening mechanism is simple, but the cap must still provide secure sealing when closed
Solution Approach 1:
The cap incorporates self-sealing mechanisms through its integrated seal design, where the seal automatically maintains contact and sealing pressure against the container opening when the cap is closed. This self-service sealing function provides secure closure without requiring complex additional mechanisms, relying on the elastic properties and geometric design of the integrated seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated seal utilizes curved or domed geometries that naturally conform to the container opening, ensuring reliable sealing through geometric adaptation. The curved seal surface allows for uniform contact pressure distribution, maintaining secure sealing while keeping the overall cap structure simple and suitable for manual opening.
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 solution maintains the tap's functionality and aesthetic appearance while ensuring the tamper-evident seal remains attached, facilitating recycling and adhering to environmental regulations without altering production processes or customer usage.
Implementation Method 1
constrained to an elastic element, positioned inside the body of the inventive tap, which is specifically designed to be used 'in common' with all new versions of the hood and also with the hood currently on the market
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments relate to a liquid dispensing tap, comprising: a containment body; an internal valve or elastic dome membrane contained within the body; a driving element partially contained within the body and operatively coupled to the internal valve or membrane to enable/disable a supply of liquid from the tap; and a cap placed above the body to cover the tap, the cap being composed of a main body equipped with a movable seal with automatic opening fixed to the fixed main body due to hinges and jumpers/teeth.