Lightweight Polymeric Container Finish With Tamper Lip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymeric containers are heavy and require a support flange for handling during manufacturing, which increases weight and manufacturing costs, and they lack a tamper indication mechanism that ensures secure sealing.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight polymeric container finish with a tamper lip and gripper ring that replaces the support flange, featuring threads for closure sealing, a tamper lip for handling support, and a gripper ring for handling and manufacturing, eliminating the need for a separate support flange and providing a tamper indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a support flange is added to the container finish for handling during manufacturing, then handling efficiency is improved, but weight and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support flange function with the tamper indication mechanism by integrating the tamper lip into the flange structure. The tamper lip extends from the flange and works cooperatively with the closure's tamper band, eliminating the need for a separate support flange component while maintaining both handling and tamper indication functions
Solution Approach 2:
The flange is designed to serve multiple functions: providing structural support during handling, supporting the tamper band for tamper indication, and maintaining thread alignment. This multi-functional design eliminates redundant components and reduces overall weight
2Weight of moving object
If the container finish is made lighter to reduce manufacturing and transport costs, then weight is reduced, but structural strength and handling capability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local reinforcement strategies by positioning the tamper lip and gripper ring at specific locations where strength is most needed. The tamper lip provides localized structural support at the flange outer diameter, while the gripper ring reinforces the area between the finish threads and tamper lip, allowing the rest of the finish to remain lightweight
Solution Approach 2:
The finish is made from polymeric materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, and the integrated features (tamper lip, gripper ring) create a composite structural system that distributes loads efficiently throughout the finish structure
3Reliability
If a tamper indication mechanism is added to ensure secure sealing, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper indication function is merged with the support flange structure. The tamper lip extends from the flange and works cooperatively with the closure's tamper band, which is retained below the tamper lip when the closure is removed. This integration eliminates the need for separate tamper indication components
Solution Approach 2:
The flange structure serves multiple functions including support during handling, tamper indication through the tamper lip, and thread alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A polymeric container including a base, a body, a finish, finish threads, and a tamper lip. The finish threads are at an outer surface of the finish, and are configured to cooperate with closure threads of a closure to secure the closure to the finish. The tamper lip extends from the outer surface of the finish, and is configured to replace the support flange during handling, and to cooperate with a tamper band of the closure. A recess is below the tamper lip. The recess retains the tamper band below the tamper lip when the closure is removed from cooperation with the finish. A gripper ring is between the finish threads and the tamper lip. The gripper ring is configured to cooperate with a gripper for grasping the finish.