Tamper-Evident Carton Locking Tab and Receiving Slot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current food delivery containers lack effective means to prevent tampering and provide evidence of opening before delivery, posing concerns for food service providers as the use of third-party delivery services increases.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-evident feature is introduced, comprising a locking tab and receiving slot mechanism that secures the container in a closed configuration, allowing it to be locked without visible evidence of opening, using a locking tab with an intermediate locking slit and a receiving slot with minor cut lines to interlock and restrict access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking tab and receiving slot mechanism is added to provide tamper evidence, then the reliability and security of the container is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tab is divided into multiple functional segments including a locking end portion with an intermediate locking slit, a base end portion connected to the sidewall, and transverse cut edges. The receiving slot is segmented with a receiving slit and minor cut lines. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity of the container structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking tab and receiving slot are pre-formed during container manufacturing with specific geometries (intermediate locking slit, transverse cut edges, minor cut lines) that enable automatic interlocking when the container is closed. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for additional locking components or complex assembly steps, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the locking tab is designed with intermediate locking slit and transverse cut edges to prevent removal, then the security against tampering is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tab integrates multiple security features (intermediate locking slit, transverse cut edges, fold lines) into a single continuous element that is formed from the container sidewall. The receiving slot similarly combines the receiving slit and minor cut lines in one integrated structure. This merging approach maintains ease of manufacture by avoiding separate components while achieving high tamper resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes controlled changes in the physical parameters of the locking tab material through scoring and cutting operations during manufacturing. The intermediate locking slit and transverse cut edges create specific geometric parameters that enable the tab to bend, fold, and interlock in predetermined ways, providing tamper resistance without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the locking tab is made to interlock with the receiving slot to restrict access, then the security and protection of food items is improved, but the ease of operation for opening the container decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tab is designed with fold lines and intermediate locking slit that allow it to dynamically change its configuration during the locking and unlocking process. When locking, the tab bends and folds to engage with the receiving slot. When unlocking, the tab can be manually manipulated to disengage and return to its original position. This dynamic behavior provides strong protection during delivery while maintaining ease of operation for the customer.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring complex tools or mechanisms to open the container, the design inverts the approach by making the locking tab itself the tool for both locking and unlocking. The tab's intermediate locking edge and transverse cut edges are designed to be manually manipulated, allowing the customer to easily open the container by simply moving the tab, thus maintaining ease of operation while providing strong food item protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A tamper evident feature for a container is provided. The tamper evident feature may include a locking tab connected to a wall panel of the container and a receiving slot provided on a cover panel of the container. The locking tab may include a locking end portion with an outer terminal edge and a slit extending laterally across the locking tab. The slit may provide a cut edge extending partially across an intermediate portion of the locking tab and allow for a tab end portion to bend relative to the remainder of the locking tab. The receiving slot may include a receiving slit defined into the cover panel of the container and configured to receive the locking end portion of the locking tab. The receiving slit may provide a receiving edge that engages with the cut edge of the locking tab to secure the cover panel in a closed position.