Tamper-Evident Closure Assembly Method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing tamper-evident closures do not effectively secure the lid in a closed position during assembly, which can lead to improper engagement of tamper-evident and dispensing members, compromising the tamper-evidence mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A method where the tamper-evident member is introduced into the closure body after the lid is closed, engaging with the lid and base to secure it in place before the dispensing member is inserted, utilizing co-operating features like hooks and ledges, and forming frangible lines to ensure tamper evidence upon opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lid is closed onto the base before inserting the tamper-evident member and dispensing member, then the lid can be securely held in closed position during assembly, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid closure securityVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is closed onto the base before inserting the tamper-evident member and dispensing member. This preliminary action ensures the lid is securely positioned during assembly, and the tamper-evident member is then inserted to lock the lid in its closed position, preventing accidental opening during the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tamper-evident member acts as an intermediary element that secures the lid to the base. It includes a lid-engaging portion that hooks onto the lid and a base-engaging portion that hooks onto the base, creating a reliable mechanical connection that holds the lid closed during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the tamper-evident member engages the lid with co-operating features like hook and ledge, then the lid is securely held in closed position, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid engagement securityVSAvoidco-operating features alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The tamper-evident member has different engagement features at different locations: a hook portion that engages with a ledge on the lid, and another hook portion that engages with the base. Each local feature is designed with specific geometry to ensure proper engagement while accommodating normal manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The lid is closed onto the base before inserting the tamper-evident member, which allows the co-operating features to align naturally during assembly rather than requiring pre-alignment, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If frangible lines are formed on the body or members, then clear tamper evidence is provided upon opening, but the device complexity and manufacturing steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetamper evidence clarityVSAvoidmanufacturing steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frangible lines are formed as visible features on the closure body or members. When the closure is opened for the first time, these lines break or separate, providing clear visual evidence that the closure has been opened. This can be achieved through molding, printing, or other marking techniques that create distinguishable line patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP3052400B1A method of manufacturing a tamper-evident closure
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 OBRIST CLOSURES SWITZERLAND GMBH
  • EP3052400B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3052400B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3052400B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method of manufacturing a tamper-evident closure (210), comprising the steps of: forming a body (211) having a base (212) and a lid(214); and inserting a dispensing member (220) and a tamper-evident member (201) into the body.