Segmented Container Closure for Recyclability and Tamper Evidence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closures do not adequately address the need for improved recyclability, child safety, tamper evidence, ease of operation, and cost-effective manufacturing while minimizing waste and ensuring the closure remains functional throughout its intended life and beyond.
Innovation Solution
A closure system comprising a closing element with a first portion removably affixed to a body, a second portion non-removably affixed, and a movable connecting element. The closing element features frangible elements for tamper evidence, a notch for securement, and a design that allows it to remain with the body for improved recyclability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the closing element is designed to be completely removable from the body, then ease of operation is improved, but recyclability deteriorates due to separation of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element is divided into a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion is removably affixed and the second portion remains non-removably affixed to the body. This segmentation allows the closing element to be opened for use while ensuring that at least part of it remains with the body for recycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The design ensures that the second portion of the closing element is non-removably affixed to the body, so that when the package is recycled, the closing element (or at least part of it) is recovered together with the body, reducing waste and improving recyclability.
2Loss of substance
If the closing element is designed to remain with the body for recyclability, then recyclability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to potential complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element is segmented into removable and non-removable portions, allowing the user to easily open the closure by removing the first portion while the second portion remains with the body for recycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The first portion of the closing element is extracted as a separately removable component, allowing easy operation for opening while the second portion remains integrated with the body for recycling purposes.
3Reliability
If frangible elements are added for tamper evidence, then reliability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible elements are integrated into the existing structure of the closing element and body, combining the tamper evidence function with the closure mechanism without adding separate complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible elements are implemented as thin, breakable structures within the closure assembly that provide tamper evidence through simple fracture, adding minimal complexity to the overall device.
Data Source
AI summary
A closing element for restricting communication of a substance through an access passage of a body includes a first portion for being removably affixed to the body, the first portion having an inner wall, an outer wall surrounding the inner wall, and at least one bridge connecting the outer wall with the inner wall. The closing element has a second portion for being non-removably affixed to the body and a movable connecting element extending between the first portion and the second portion. The closing element has an unactuated configuration wherein a major portion of the length of the connecting element is located laterally between the inner wall and the outer wall to shield the major portion of the length of the connecting element.