Flexible Packaging Spout Closure With Attached Tamper-Evident Cap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible packaging spouts with spouts require improvements for comfortable user interaction, tamper evident seals, and effective post-use disposal, especially for food products, without compromising convenience.
Innovation Solution
A closure system featuring a tamper evident seal with a wavy sinusoidal design that ensures the cap remains attached post-use, incorporating a strap to prevent interference during use and a drip-catcher device for secure sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tamper evident seal is implemented on the spout closure, then product integrity and user safety are improved, but the complexity of the closure device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tamper evident seal function with the closure cap itself by integrating a breakable bridge structure that connects the cap to the spout. When the cap is removed, the bridge breaks to provide tamper evidence, while maintaining a relatively simple overall closure design.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system is segmented into distinct functional components: the cap for closing, the breakable bridge for tamper evidence, and the spout for dispensing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cap is designed to remain attached to the spout after use for disposal purposes, then environmental impact is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to potential interference with spout usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic interference element by designing the cap to be removable from the spout during use, allowing users to hold the spout comfortably between their lips. The cap can be temporarily separated and then reattached, providing both ease of operation and disposal benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system transitions from a static attached state to a dynamic removable/reattachable configuration. The cap can be removed for comfortable spout usage and then reattached for secure transport and disposal, adapting to different usage phases.
3Reliability
If a secure tamper evident seal is implemented, then product protection is improved, but user comfort during spout usage may deteriorate due to potential obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tamper evident function into a separate breakable bridge component that does not interfere with spout usage. The bridge breaks when the cap is removed, providing tamper evidence without obstructing the spout opening or user comfort during dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system is segmented into distinct functional components: the cap for closing, the breakable bridge for tamper evidence, and the spout for dispensing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~3a
AI summary
A closure (1) for a spout of a flexible thin-walled packaging comprising a cap (2) and a tamper evident seal (20) with a tamper evident ring (30). The tamper evident ring (30) has an upper ring face (34d) that delimits it at the top and the tamper evident portion (40) comprises a lower portion face (44d) that delimits it at the bottom. Said faces (34d, 44d) each consist of a wavy sinusoidal surface. Bridges (50) are also provided joining the bottom ring surface (38') and the portion ridge surface (46').