Laser-Reshaped Tamper-Evident Closures for Secure Neck Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure systems for beverage containers lack efficient methods for engaging tamper evidence features with the container neck, leading to potential tampering and quality control issues.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a conveying assembly and a laser assembly that irradiates a tamper evidence band on the closure with a planar laser beam, causing it to engage with the container neck as the container and closure are conveyed, and optionally reshaping the closure or container neck to enhance engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical methods are used to engage tamper evidence features with container neck, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of tamper resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical engagement methods with a laser-based system. The laser assembly irradiates the tamper evidence band to cause it to engage with the container neck, substituting mechanical force with optical energy for more reliable and controlled engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or properties of the tamper evidence band through laser irradiation. The laser energy modifies parameters such as temperature, shape, or material properties to enable secure engagement with the container neck, improving reliability through controlled parameter changes.
2Reliability
If laser irradiation is used to engage tamper evidence band, then the engagement reliability is enhanced, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser assembly operates in a controlled, periodic manner during the conveying process. By synchronizing laser irradiation with the conveyance of containers, the system achieves reliable engagement only when needed, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining engagement security.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying assembly continuously moves containers through the system while the laser assembly provides continuous irradiation during the engagement zone. This ensures that every container receives the necessary laser energy for secure engagement without idle energy consumption.
3Manufacturing precision
If the conveying assembly rotates closures during laser irradiation, then the manufacturing precision of engagement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying assembly serves multiple functions: it transports containers through the system and simultaneously rotates them to present the tamper evidence band to the laser. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate rotation mechanisms, managing device complexity while achieving precise engagement alignment.
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 system ensures secure engagement of tamper evidence features with the container neck, providing enhanced tamper resistance and quality assurance in beverage closures.
Implementation Method 1
a laser assembly operable to irradiate at least a portion of the tamper evidence band of each closure with a substantially planar laser beam
Implementation Method 2
causing it to engage with the container neck as the container and closure are conveyed
Data Source
AI summary
Closures with a tamper evidence feature that is reshaped to connect it to the container neck are disclosed. Methods and systems for carrying out the methods, and to mold stacks for making the closures are also disclosed. The tamper evidence feature can be a band, a portion of a cylindrical skirt or a panel formed in the cylindrical skirt. The application of heat may deform the band inwardly to create a lip for engaging a flange on the container neck, or it may weld the tamper evidence feature to the flange