Tamper-Evident Closure With Falling Indicator Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closures do not effectively indicate if they have been previously opened, which is desirable for verifying the integrity of container contents.

Innovation Solution

A tamper-evident closure design featuring a base with a sidewall and an outer wall, where a tamper-evident member is initially hidden and becomes visible upon first opening, falling between the sidewall and outer wall, with a window for visibility and a hinge for lid movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a closure is designed without a tamper-evident mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to indicate previous opening is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to indicate previous openingVSAvoidclosure structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tamper-evident member utilizes a color change mechanism where it transitions from a hidden state to a visible state upon lid opening. The member may change color or become visible through a color-changing indicator, providing clear visual evidence of opening without requiring complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The tamper-evident function is extracted as a separate member that can be frangibly attached to the lid. This member is initially hidden within the closure structure and is removed or revealed upon opening, providing tamper evidence while keeping the closed-state closure simple and compact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a tamper-evident member is made visible in the initially unopened position, then the ability to provide visual evidence of opening is improved, but the aesthetic appearance and concealment are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual evidence of openingVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The tamper-evident member is pre-positioned in a hidden state within the closure structure before opening. The opening action itself triggers the transition to a visible state, ensuring that visual evidence is provided only when needed (after opening) while maintaining aesthetic appearance in the closed state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making the tamper-evident member visible before opening and hidden after, the design inverts this by having it hidden before opening and visible after opening. This inversion ensures aesthetic appearance is maintained in the normal closed state while still providing reliable visual evidence when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If the lid is made securely attached to the base, then the sealing and protection are improved, but the ease of opening is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing integrityVSAvoidease of opening

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closure is segmented into distinct functional components: a lid, base, and a separate tamper-evident member. The frangible attachment of the tamper-evident member to the lid creates a controlled weak point that allows the lid to be opened while maintaining secure attachment during normal handling and transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment strength between the lid and base is designed with different mechanical parameters for different phases: strong attachment during transport and storage for sealing integrity, but with a controlled frangible element that allows easy opening when needed. The frangible attachment changes its effective strength parameter upon opening action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Provides visual evidence of opening, ensuring the contents' integrity and conforming to safety standards, while maintaining convenience and usability.

Implementation Method 1

upon first opening of the lid the tamper-evident member is released from the lid and falls between the sidewall and the outer wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4574700A1Tamper-evident closure

Publication Date: 2025.06.25 OBRIST CLOSURES SWITZERLAND GMBH

Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A tamper-evident dispensing closure is provided and comprises a base and a lid. The closure comprises a double wall portion. The closure comprises a tamper-evident member which upon first opening of the lid falls into or further into the double wall portion. The closure is formed as a tethered closure. The base comprises a retaining ring for retaining the closure on a container. The closure includes a tether for the retaining ring.