Tamper Evident Cap Retainer Elements for Secure Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container cap technologies lack effective tamper evidence mechanisms that ensure secure closure and visible indication of initial opening, which can lead to tampering and compromised product integrity.
Innovation Solution
A tamper evident container cap design featuring a frangibly connected annular band with retainer elements that expand to facilitate initial installation and contract to secure the cap, providing visible evidence of removal by severing from the cap body upon first use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a frangible connection is used between the tamper evident band and cap body, then visible indication of cap removal is achieved, but the band may be inadvertently removed during normal use
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer elements are designed to be movable between expanded and contracted positions, dynamically adapting their engagement with the container neck flange. During normal use, the retainer elements engage the flange to prevent band removal. Upon cap removal, the retainer elements expand to release the band, providing visible tamper evidence while preventing unintended removal during normal handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer elements change their radial position parameter between contracted (engaging the flange) and expanded (releasing the band) states. This parameter change is triggered by cap removal and provides a mechanical state transition that ensures the band remains secure during normal use but releases to provide tamper evidence when the cap is removed.
2Reliability
If retainer elements engage the container neck flange to prevent band removal, then product security is enhanced, but the band cannot be properly installed on the neck
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer elements dynamically transition from an expanded installation position to a contracted security position. During installation, the retainer elements are in the expanded position, allowing the band to be placed over the container neck flange. Once installed, the retainer elements contract to engage the flange and prevent band removal, thus enabling both easy installation and secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer elements are preliminarily positioned in the expanded state during cap assembly, allowing the band to be installed over the container neck. After installation is complete, the retainer elements transition to the contracted state to engage the flange and secure the band in place, ensuring both ease of installation and product security.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid cylindrical frame is used for the tamper evident band, then structural stability is improved, but the band cannot adapt to variations in container neck dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
While the cylindrical frame maintains rigid structural stability, the retainer elements provide dynamic adaptability to variations in container neck dimensions. The retainer elements can expand and contract to accommodate different flange sizes and positions, allowing the rigid frame to securely engage a variety of container neck geometries while maintaining overall structural integrity.
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
Ensures secure closure, visible indication of cap removal, and prevents unintended reattachment, thereby enhancing product security and user awareness of potential tampering.
Implementation Method 1
each retainer element joined at a retainer first end to the first adjacent rib by a first resiliently flexible connecting web and at a retainer second end circumferentially opposite the retainer first end to the second adjacent rib by a second resiliently flexible connecting web
Data Source
AI summary
A cap for a container includes an annular tamper evident band with a generally rigid cylindrical frame having an upper ring and a plurality of ribs extending axially from the ring and spaced circumferentially apart about the ring. A plurality of retainer elements are supported by the frame, each retainer element connected at circumferentially opposed ends by resiliently flexible webs to adjacent ones of the ribs. The retainer elements are biased to a radially contracted position, in which the retainer elements protrude inwardly to engage an underside surface of a neck flange of the container. The retainer elements are movable to a radially expanded position in which the retainer elements can be advanced axially past the neck flange when installing the cap onto the container for the first time.