Orifice Reducer with Tamper-Evident Seal for Controlled Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container designs for pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals often have large openings after removing tamper-proof seals, leading to excessive dispensing of tablets, capsules, liquids, or powders, and require complex manufacturing processes to integrate both tamper-proof seals and dispensing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A closure system featuring a permanently secured orifice reducer with a flexible tamper-evident seal, where the orifice reducer is injection molded and the seal is secured using induction sealing, allowing for controlled dispensing without the need for additional securing structures, enabling easy assembly and cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a large opening is provided in the container after removing the tamper-proof seal, then easy access to contents is achieved, but excessive dispensing and contamination risks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented into distinct functional components: an orifice reducer with a controlled opening and a separate tamper-evident seal. The orifice reducer remains permanently attached to the container to control dispensing, while the seal can be removed for access. This segmentation allows the container to maintain both controlled dispensing and easy access capabilities simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The orifice reducer is pre-installed on the container before the tamper-evident seal is applied. This preliminary action ensures that the dispensing control structure is already in place and properly positioned, allowing the seal to be secured over it without interference, and enabling controlled dispensing as soon as the seal is removed.
2Reliability
If a tamper-proof seal is applied to secure the container opening, then product integrity is protected, but the opening becomes too large for controlled dispensing after seal removal
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system separates the tamper-proof sealing function from the dispensing control function into two distinct components: the orifice reducer and the tamper-evident seal. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function - the seal provides reliable tamper protection while the orifice reducer ensures controlled dispensing, resolving the contradiction between product integrity and controlled dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The orifice reducer acts as an intermediary structure between the container opening and the tamper-evident seal. It provides a controlled opening that limits dispensing while allowing the seal to be securely applied over it. This intermediary element enables both tamper-proof sealing and controlled dispensing to coexist without conflict.
3Loss of substance
If separate orifice reducer and tamper-proof seal components are used, then controlled dispensing and product integrity are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process merges the application of the orifice reducer and tamper-evident seal into a single integrated operation. The orifice reducer is pre-installed on the container, and the seal is then secured over it in one continuous process, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing steps and reducing overall complexity despite having two functional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The orifice reducer is pre-installed on the container before the tamper-evident seal is applied, allowing both components to be integrated in a single manufacturing pass. This preliminary action simplifies the manufacturing process by establishing the dispensing control structure first, making the subsequent seal application straightforward and eliminating the need for complex multi-step assembly procedures.
4Reliability
If complex securing structures are used to integrate tamper-proof seals and dispensing mechanisms, then product integrity and controlled dispensing are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process merges the integration of the orifice reducer and tamper-evident seal into a single simplified operation. The orifice reducer is pre-installed and the seal is secured over it in one continuous process, eliminating the need for complex multi-step assembly procedures and expensive specialized equipment, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining product integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system uses universal, simple components that can be manufactured with standard equipment. The orifice reducer and tamper-evident seal are designed to work together in a straightforward manner, allowing for cost-effective production using conventional manufacturing processes rather than requiring complex, expensive specialized systems.
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 provides a simple, cost-effective method for manufacturing containers with a tamper-proof seal and controlled dispensing functionality, reducing waste and contamination risks while ensuring product integrity.
Implementation Method 1
Induction sealing is a process that relies on electrical currents within a material, e.g., foil, to produce heat. Induction sealing requires a source of electrical energy, an induction coil and an electrically conductive target material (the material to be heated, typically the foil seal itself). As electricity passes through the induction coil, an electromagnetic field is generated around the coil. When the target material (e.g., foil seal) is exposed to the electromagnetic field, eddy currents are created in the target material, causing the target material to heat up because of resistance losses.
Implementation Method 2
When the target material (e.g., foil seal) is exposed to the electromagnetic field, eddy currents are created in the target material, causing the target material to heat up because of resistance losses.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
Containers with closures are disclosed. A closure may include at least a polymer orifice reducer (24) configured to be permanently secured to a rim (31) of an opening of a container and a flexible tamper evident seal (30) disposed on the topside of the orifice reducer (24). The flexible tamper evident seal (30), optionally foil, covers one or more openings (26) in the orifice reducer. Processes for permanently securing a closure to a container, optionally by forming a heat seal between the orifice reducer and container rim, are also disclosed.