Tamper-Evident Screw Closure with Segmented Security Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screw closures with security rings for containers face challenges in simplifying production and handling of tamperproof units, as the security seal is typically applied after filling and can be cumbersome to attach, increasing logistical efforts and risking damage during handling.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a security seal onto the screw closure and security ring without overlap, ensuring it is damaged upon first unscrewing, forming a unified tamperproof unit that can be separated before filling, with features like adhesive bonding, embossed structures, and optional additional materials or security features like holograms for enhanced security and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the security seal is applied after filling and secured to both the screw closure and container, then tamperproof security is achieved, but logistical effort increases and handling becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The security seal application process is segmented into two independent stages: first, the seal is applied to the screw closure at the closure manufacturing location; second, the pre-sealed closure is transported to the filling location where it is screwed onto the filled container. This segmentation eliminates the need to secure the seal to both components simultaneously, reducing logistical complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The security seal is applied to the screw closure in advance, before the closure is transported to the filling location. This preliminary action allows the sealed closure to be handled and transported independently, simplifying logistics. The seal remains intact during transport and only engages with the container at the final assembly stage.
2Area of stationary object
If the security seal extends beyond the lower edge of the security ring, then coverage is increased, but the seal risks breaking or bending during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The security seal is designed with differentiated zones: the upper portion extends beyond the security ring to provide comprehensive coverage and visual indication, while the lower portion is trimmed to terminate at the security ring's lower edge. This local quality adjustment ensures adequate security coverage while preventing the seal from extending into areas where it would be susceptible to mechanical damage during handling.
3Strength
If the security seal is attached with overlap, then attachment strength is increased, but handling difficulty increases due to breaking or bending risks
Solution Approach 1:
The security seal is applied to the screw closure with precise positioning before transport. The seal's lower edge is pre-trimmed to align with the security ring's lower edge, eliminating the need for overlap during final assembly. This preliminary precision work ensures adequate attachment strength through proper adhesive bonding areas while preventing handling issues associated with overlapping layers.
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
This solution simplifies production and handling by ensuring the security seal is intact and securely attached, reducing the risk of damage, and allows for centralized application of tamperproof screw closures, which can be easily transported and applied at different locations, maintaining security and compliance with safety precautions.
Implementation Method 1
The security seal 13 is secured by means of an adhesive bonding material 18 to the external lateral surface 11 of the security ring and to the external lateral surface 12 of the screw closure
Implementation Method 2
it may comprise structures (for example recesses in the material or else elevations) which are introduced into the screw closure and/or the security ring. These structures can be embossed
Data Source
AI summary
A screw closure (1) and a security ring (2) for closing an opening of a container, the screw closure (1) being connected to the security ring (2) by way of breakable bridge elements (4), the screw closure having an internal thread (6) for screwing onto an external thread on the opening of the container. The security ring (2) includes latching means which are intended to engage behind a bead on the opening of the container such that, when the screw closure (1) is unscrewed for the first time, the bridging elements (4) break and the screw closure (1) and the security ring (2) are separated from one another. A security seal (13) is provided on the screw closure (1) and the security ring (2) and is damaged when unscrewing takes place for the first time. The security seal can be attached to the screw closure and security ring in a separate operation from the filling and closing of the container.