Tamper-Evident Closure Reshaping for Low-Stress Neck Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic beverage closures with tamper evidence features face challenges in engaging effectively with container necks, particularly when made from polyethylene terephthalate, due to mechanical stress during demolding and capping, and require improvements in tamper evidence feature engagement mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A method involving reshaping or deforming parts of the closure or container neck using heat or laser irradiation to engage tamper evidence features with the container neck, utilizing polyethylene terephthalate material with specific intrinsic viscosities and minimizing radial engagement features to enhance demolding and capping efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tamper evidence features with multiple radial engagement features are used, then engagement security with container neck is improved, but mechanical stress during demolding and capping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes radial engagement features from the tamper evidence band, extracting the problematic elements that caused mechanical stress during demolding and capping, while retaining the essential tamper evidence function through alternative engagement mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different engagement characteristics to different parts of the closure system - the tamper evidence band has no radial features to reduce stress, while the closure body retains standard engagement features for secure mounting, creating localized functional differentiation
2Reliability
If tamper evidence features are designed to engage securely with container neck, then tamper evidence reliability is improved, but demolding process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing radial engagement features from the tamper evidence band, the patent eliminates the complexity of coordinating these features during demolding, allowing the band to be freely removable without interfering with mold extraction processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the tamper evidence band into an independent component that can be freely positioned and removed, decoupling its function from the structural engagement features of the closure body, thereby simplifying the overall demolding sequence
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 method ensures secure engagement of tamper evidence features with the container neck, reducing mechanical stress and improving the demolding process, while allowing for tamper evidence to remain on the container after closure removal.
Implementation Method 1
reshaping or deforming parts of the closure or container neck using heat or laser irradiation
Implementation Method 2
reshaping or deforming parts of the closure or container neck using heat or laser irradiation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Closures (1) with a tamper evidence feature (5) that is reshaped to connect it to the container neck (2) are disclosed. Methods and systems (8) for carrying out the methods, and to mold stacks (102) for making the closures are also disclosed. The tamper evidence feature can be a band (5), a portion (505) of a cylindrical skirt (504) or a panel (705) formed in the cylindrical skirt (704). The application of heat may deform the band (5) inwardly to create a lip (52) for engaging a flange (20) on the container neck (2), or it may weld the tamper evidence feature (305) to the flange (220).