Tamper Evident Closure Assembly With Frangible Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tamper-evident solutions for medical tubing fittings, such as shrink bands, are time-consuming to install, prone to quality issues, and leave remnants on the fitting, while existing rigid solutions do not provide effective tamper indication without physical remnants.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-evident closure assembly with an integral cap, collar, and frangible attachment, featuring internally-directed threads, externally-directed splines, and a coaxial post, which forms a fluid seal and indicates tampering by severing when removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shrink bands are used for tamper evidence, then tamper indication is achieved, but installation time increases and quality issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cap and collar into a single integral unit with a frangible attachment, eliminating the need for separate shrink band application and heat shrinking processes. This merging of components achieves tamper indication while reducing installation time and eliminating secondary operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integral unit is designed with a frangible attachment that can segment into separate cap and collar portions when tampering occurs. This segmentation provides clear tamper evidence while maintaining the integrity of the sealing function during normal use.
2Reliability
If rigid tamper evident features are used, then tamper indication is provided, but remnants are left on the fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible attachment is designed to dynamically separate into cap and collar portions when tampering forces are applied. This dynamic separation ensures that no permanent remnants are left on the fitting, unlike rigid tamper evident features that remain as debris.
3Reliability
If shrink bands with perforations are used, then tamper evidence is achieved, but manufacturing quality varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the frangible attachment to create a controlled weakness that severs predictably. Instead of relying on perforation uniformity, the frangible attachment uses material property changes and geometric design to ensure consistent tamper indication with high manufacturing precision.
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 a reliable and efficient tamper-evident mechanism that maintains sterility and prevents remnants on the fitting, allowing immediate detection of tampering without secondary operations or quality issues.
Implementation Method 1
Tampering with the integral unit when the integral unit is applied to the fitting severs the frangible attachment, thereby defining the cap and collar as separate pieces
Implementation Method 2
the post and the cap form a fluid seal
Data Source
AI summary
A tamper evident closure assembly is for use with a fitting having an outer sidewall with internally-directed threads, externally-directed splines, and an open post. The closure assembly includes a cap, a collar, and a frangible attachment coupling the cap and collar. The cap, collar, and frangible attachment are formed integrally as an integral unit. A radial lug on the cap engages with the fitting threads. A pawl on the collar allows rotation of the integral unit on the fitting in a first rotational direction and prevents rotation in a second rotational direction. Application of the integral unit to the fitting engages the radial lug with the threads on the fitting and the post and the cap form a fluid seal. Tampering with the integral unit when the integral unit is applied to the fitting severs the frangible attachment, thereby defining the cap and collar as separate pieces.