Lid Assembly Tamper-Evident Deflectable Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lid assemblies for packages with pourable food products struggle to clearly indicate whether the lid has been opened, leading to user confusion due to permanent connections that obscure tamper evidence.
Innovation Solution
A lid assembly with a connecting unit that permanently couples the lid and coupling ring, featuring a tamper-evidence unit with a deflectable element that changes position upon first use, providing visible indication of opening and ensuring the package's integrity is maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a non-rupturable connecting element is used to permanently connect the lid and coupling ring, then the connection stability is improved, but the tamper evidence visibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into two functional parts: a non-rupturable portion that provides permanent connection stability, and a rupturable portion that breaks upon first opening to provide tamper evidence. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the connecting element have different properties: the first portion is designed for permanent connection stability, while the second portion is designed to rupture and change position to indicate opening. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between stability and tamper evidence visibility.
2Loss of information
If rupturable coupling bridges are used to connect the lid and coupling ring, then the tamper evidence is improved, but the connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is segmented into a non-rupturable portion for stable connection and a rupturable portion for tamper evidence. This ensures that the lid remains securely connected during normal use while still providing clear indication when opened.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element has different local qualities: one region provides permanent connection stability, while another region provides tamper evidence through rupture. This localized functional differentiation resolves the contradiction between connection stability and tamper evidence.
3Ease of operation
If the lid and coupling ring are permanently connected, then the ease of operation is improved, but the tamper evidence clarity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is segmented such that the non-rupturable portion ensures easy operation and secure connection, while the rupturable portion provides clear tamper evidence. This segmentation allows both ease of operation and tamper evidence clarity to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the connecting element have different qualities optimized for different functions: one portion maximizes ease of operation through permanent connection, while another portion maximizes tamper evidence clarity through rupture and position change.
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 allows users to clearly recognize if the lid has been opened, maintaining tamper evidence integrity despite a permanent connection, enhancing user experience and package security.
Implementation Method 1
a deflectable element (21) that changes position upon first use
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a lid assembly (3) comprising at least a coupling ring (10), a lid (11) and a connecting unit (12) connecting the lid (11) to the coupling ring (10). The lid (11) is controllable in a closed configuration and in an open configuration. The lid (11) is in an initial state in which the lid (11) is in the closed configuration and prior to any control of the lid (11) from the closed configuration to the open configuration and a used state in which the lid (11) has been controlled at least once from the closed configuration to the open configuration. The lid assembly (3) also comprises a tamper-evidence unit (20) associated to the coupling ring (10) and the lid (11). The tamper-evidence unit (20) comprises a tamper-evidence element (21) fixedly connected to one of the coupling ring (10) and the lid (11) and a housing seat (22) associated to the other one of the coupling ring (10) and the lid (11). At least a portion of the tamper-evidence element (21) is arranged in the housing seat (22) with the lid (11) being in the initial state and the tamper-evidence element (21) is detached from the housing seat (22) with the lid (11) being in the used state.