Tamper-Evident Security Ring with Frangible Bridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tamper-evident seals for packages are not sufficiently tamper-resistant and environmentally friendly, as they often result in loose debris when opened, and may not effectively indicate if the product has been manipulated.
Innovation Solution
A package design featuring a security ring attached to both the container and lid through frangible bridges, which breaks upon opening, ensuring the seal remains with the lid and preventing debris, while being made from environmentally friendly thermoplastic materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate bands or strips are used as tamper-evident seals, then the seal can be removed and reattached, but loose debris is created when opened and tamper resistance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The package is divided into three distinct components: container, lid, and security ring. The security ring acts as a separate tamper-evident element that connects these components, allowing the seal to be segmented in a controlled manner that prevents debris while maintaining ease of opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The security ring merges multiple functions into a single component: it seals the container, attaches to both lid and container, provides tamper evidence, and prevents debris. This integration eliminates the need for separate bands or strips that would create loose debris when removed.
2Ease of operation
If conventional tamper-evident seals are used, then the package can be opened, but it is unclear whether the product has been manipulated
Solution Approach 1:
The security ring provides visual tamper evidence through its structural integrity. When intact, it clearly indicates the package has not been tampered with. When broken or removed, the damage to the frangible bridges provides unambiguous visual evidence of manipulation, solving the information loss problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The security ring acts as an intermediary element between the lid and container, providing clear tamper evidence. Its position and connection method ensure that any manipulation is visibly indicated, while still allowing legitimate opening when authorized.
3Ease of manufacture
If the security ring is integrally formed with the container, then manufacturing is simplified, but the seal cannot be removed and reattached
Solution Approach 1:
The security ring transitions from a static integral component to a dynamic element with controlled mobility. The frangible bridges allow the ring to be separated from the container in a controlled manner, enabling removal and reattachment while maintaining the manufacturing simplicity of integral formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible bridges are pre-formed during manufacturing, creating predetermined weak points that allow easy separation. This preliminary action during manufacturing enables the security ring to be integrally formed for manufacturing simplicity while still allowing controlled removal and reattachment during use.
4Reliability
If frangible bridges are used to attach the security ring, then the seal breaks upon opening providing tamper evidence, but the structural strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The security ring has non-uniform structural properties: the frangible bridges are designed with reduced strength at specific locations to provide tamper evidence, while the main body of the ring maintains full strength for sealing and attachment. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between strength and tamper evidence.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment between security ring and container is segmented into multiple frangible bridges distributed around the perimeter. This segmentation distributes the structural load across multiple points while maintaining individual weak points that break to provide tamper evidence, balancing strength and reliability.
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 package provides enhanced tamper resistance with a clear indication of opening, reduces environmental impact by minimizing loose debris, and allows for easy stacking and handling.
Implementation Method 1
the security ring is attached to the container through at least one frangible bridge... any attempt to open the lid will result in breaking these frangible bridges
Implementation Method 2
a lower edge of the security ring may be spot-welded or ultrasonic-welded to an upper edge of the container at several places, creating weakened or frangible bridges defined by the welds
Implementation Method 3
a lower edge of the security ring may be spot-welded or ultrasonic-welded to an upper edge of the container at several places
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a package 1 for consumer goods. The package 1 comprises a container 3, a lid 5, and a security ring 7. The container 3 comprises a bottom wall 9 and a side wall 11, which extends from the bottom wall 9, thereby forming a bottom cavity 13. The lid 5 comprises a top wall 19 and a side wall 21, which extends downward from the top wall 19. The security ring 7 is attached to both the container 3 and the lid 5, extending along the perimeter of the container 3 and about the perimeter of the lid 5, when the package 1 is unbroken. The security ring 7 is formed integrally with the container 3. The disclosure also relates to a method for filling and sealing a package 1.