Monolithic Container with Severable Side Wall for Tamper Evidence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for personal care items like razor cartridges are not adequately tamper-resistant and can retain moisture, leading to premature degradation of shaving aids when replaced.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic container with a hinged lid and snap-fit coupling that can only be opened by severing weakened areas, making it tamper-evident and preventing reclosure, ensuring splash-proof protection and preventing moisture retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a lidded container is used to store razor cartridges, then splash-proof protection is provided, but the container can be opened and reclosed allowing moisture retention that degrades shaving aids
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed as a monolithic single-piece structure with integrated lid and body, eliminating the need for separate closure mechanisms. The lid is integrally formed with the side wall and hingedly connected, creating a unified structure that prevents moisture retention while maintaining splash-proof protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The container incorporates weakened areas with notches that are intended to be broken during opening, making the container tamper-evident and single-use. This ensures that once opened, the container cannot be reclosed, preventing moisture retention and degradation of shaving aids, aligning with the disposable nature of razor cartridges.
2Reliability
If a secure closure mechanism is implemented, then tamper-resistance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container includes pre-formed weakened areas with notches that are prepared in advance during manufacturing. These weakened areas require minimal force to break, allowing easy opening by the user while maintaining tamper-resistance during normal storage. The preliminary preparation of break points ensures that opening is simple yet the container remains secure until intentionally opened.
3Strength
If a hinged lid with snap fit coupling is used, then secure closure is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid and container body are integrally formed as a single monolithic piece, merging what would traditionally be separate components. The hinge and snap fit coupling are built into the integral structure, eliminating the need for separate hinges, latches, or fastening mechanisms. This reduces structural complexity while maintaining secure closure through the snap fit engagement between the lid and base.
Data Source
Figure 1~1B
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3~3B
AI summary
A container (10) has a base (14) and a side wall (16) defining a cavity (18) with an opening and having a rim (22). A lid (30), integrally formed with the side wall (16), is connected to the side wall by a hinge (32) adjacent the rim. Two weakened areas (40, 42) each extending along the side wall (16) from the rim (22) towards the base (14). A tab (50), integrally formed with the side wall (16), extends laterally from the side wall in a direction outwards of the side wall and is located between the two weakened areas (40, 42). When the container (10) is closed, the lid (30) substantially fills the opening and a snap fit coupling secures the lid (30) to the side wall (16). To open the container a user exerts pressure on the tab (50) to sever the side wall (16) in the region of the weakened areas (40, 42) and release the snap fit coupling. Since the side wall (16) is severed the container (10) cannot be reclosed and is tamper evident.