Tamper Evident Cap with Breakable Tab and Nested Tail

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid containers are difficult to secure and detect for tampering, especially in applications where the quantity and composition of the fluid are highly specific, as the current methods do not provide a clear indication of the fluid's contents or if the container has been tampered with.

Innovation Solution

A tamper evident cap with a head section and a tail section featuring tapered members and a breakable tab design, where the tail section is inserted through an opening with a projection that prevents removal without breaking, ensuring the cap remains closed until intentionally opened by applying pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a simple cap design is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but tamper evidence capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidtamper evidence capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cap is divided into a head section and a tail section that can be separately manufactured and then assembled together. The tail section is inserted through the container closure and secured in the head section, creating a segmented structure that provides tamper evidence while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tail section is inserted through an opening in the container closure and then nested within the head section. The tapered members of the tail section engage with the interior surface of the head section, creating a nested configuration that secures the assembly while requiring breakage for removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a secure closure mechanism is used, then tamper evidence capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetamper evidence capabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cap is pre-assembled in a closed configuration with the tail section inserted through the container closure and secured in the head section. This preliminary assembly creates a secure, tamper-evident closure that maintains integrity during transport and storage, and can be opened by a simple breaking action when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The material properties of the cap are designed to allow easy breaking under applied force. The decreased thickness portion and the joint between head and tail sections are engineered to fail at specific points when force is applied to the tab, transforming the secure closed state into an open state through controlled material failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a complex securing mechanism is used, then tamper evidence capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetamper evidence capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cap combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: the head section provides the breaking interface and visual indication, the tail section provides the securing mechanism, and the tab provides the opening interface. This merging of functions into one piece reduces overall system complexity while maintaining tamper evidence capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cap is designed to work with various container closures and valves through the standardized opening penetration and tab engagement mechanism. The universal design allows the same cap structure to secure different types of containers while maintaining the tamper evidence function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If a breakable design is used, then tamper evidence capability is improved, but strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetamper evidence capabilityVSAvoidstrength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cap has non-uniform thickness distribution, with a decreased thickness portion specifically located at the joint between the head and tail sections. This local thinning creates a predetermined weak point that will break first when force is applied, while the rest of the cap maintains sufficient strength for normal handling and securing functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10906704B2Tamper evident cap

Publication Date: 2021.02.02 HYPERKINETICS CORP

AI summary

Provided herein are an article and method for securing a fluid container. The article includes a tamper evident cap, comprising a head section including an inner surface, an outer surface, and a tab; and a tail section including tapered members extending therefrom. The inner surface is arranged and disposed to receive a valve or opening therein and the tail section is arranged and disposed to engage the tab. The method includes providing a tamper evident cap comprising a head section including an inner surface, an outer surface, and a tab, and a tail section including tapered members extending therefrom; positioning the inner surface of the head section over a valve or opening of the fluid container; passing the tail section through or around a portion of the fluid container; and inserting the tail section into an opening in the tab.