Tamper-Evident Cap with Segmented Coupling and Band Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional open/close caps for packaging containers are prone to cutting off of coupling pieces during conveyance, leading to tampering prevention function failure, and deformation of bands can cause damage to the rotation prevention and opening checking functions.

Innovation Solution

An open/close cap design featuring a band with connection pieces that are cut off by stress when rotated, and a band shape maintaining member to prevent radial inward deformation, with a contact preventing portion to shield the band from external forces, ensuring the tampering prevention function and maintaining the cap's integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the coupling piece is made thin and narrow to enable easy cutting during cap opening, then the cap opening function is improved, but the coupling piece is easily cut off during conveyance, compromising reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecap openingVSAvoidcoupling piece retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling piece is segmented into two distinct regions: a thin and narrow portion that easily cuts during cap opening, and a thick and wide portion that resists cutting during conveyance. This segmentation allows each region to fulfill its specific function optimally without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the coupling piece have different cross-sectional dimensions tailored to their specific functions. The front-side coupling piece has a thin and narrow cross section for easy cutting, while the rear-side coupling piece has a thick and wide cross section for resistance against cutting during conveyance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the band is allowed to deform radially inward during cap collision, then the band flexibility is improved, but the connection piece may be cut off by impact, damaging the rotation prevention function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveband flexibilityVSAvoidrotation prevention function

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The band shape maintaining member is positioned beforehand to prevent excessive radial inward deformation of the band during cap collision. This cushioning effect protects the connection piece from being cut off by impact while still allowing necessary band flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the band is positioned close to the cap body to prevent external force application, then the tampering prevention function is improved, but the band may contact foreign substances, compromising purity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetampering preventionVSAvoidforeign substance contact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The problem is solved by transitioning from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement. The band is positioned below the lower surface of the cap body, utilizing the vertical dimension to create separation between the band and potential foreign substances while maintaining close proximity to prevent tampering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If the coupling piece is made thick and wide to prevent cutting during conveyance, then the reliability is improved, but the cap opening function becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling piece retentionVSAvoidcap opening

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS7735666B2Open/close cap and manufacturing method thereof

Publication Date: 2010.06.15 HOSOKAWA YOKO CO LTD

AI summary

A coupling piece coupling a cap body and a band is prevented from being cut off to tampering and the cutting-off thereof due to deformation of the band. An open/close cap a cap body to be screwed to an outer peripheral surface of a mouth portion of a pouring spout and a band extending in the circumferential direction of the cap body and engaged with the pouring spout, the band being formed with at least one portion at which the band 10 circumferentially separated, the end of the band being connected by a connection piece at that portion at which the band is cut off. The band is disposed below the lower surface of the cap body and coupling pieces are attached to the lower portion of the cap body. A band shape maintaining member is disposed to the lower end of the cap body.