Tamper-Evident Closure Band Positioning for Reliable Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymeric closures with tamper-evident bands face issues when the tamper-evident band is not properly positioned relative to the A-collar of the container, leading to difficulties in opening or failure to indicate tampering due to improper separation or rotation of the band.
Innovation Solution
A closure design featuring a polymeric tamper-evident band with a first portion and a second portion connected via a bending area, where the second portion extends upwardly and inwardly, includes a tab and an extension portion, and is positioned to abut the A-collar, ensuring consistent separation and preventing rotation during opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tamper-evident band is positioned without specific structural guidance, then the closure structure remains simple, but the band may not separate properly or may rotate during opening, failing to provide reliable tamper indication
Solution Approach 1:
The extension portion is pre-positioned to abut against the A-collar before opening occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that when opening forces are applied, the band will separate along the predetermined frangible connection rather than rotating or failing to separate, thus ensuring reliable tamper indication without requiring complex additional structures
Solution Approach 2:
The extension portion acts as an intermediary element between the tamper-evident band and the A-collar. By abutting against the A-collar, it provides a stable reference point that guides the separation process and prevents improper rotation, ensuring the band remains properly positioned throughout the opening sequence
2Ease of operation
If the tamper-evident band is designed to separate during opening, then tamper indication is provided, but improper positioning causes difficulty in opening or failure to separate
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible connection is pre-positioned and the extension portion is pre-configured to engage with the A-collar during closure application. This preliminary setup ensures that opening forces naturally follow the intended separation path, making opening easy while ensuring reliable separation and tamper indication
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates a frangible connection with specific mechanical properties that allow it to break at predetermined locations during opening. By controlling the strength and geometry of this connection, the band separates reliably along the intended path when opening forces are applied, ensuring both ease of operation and separation reliability
3Manufacturing precision
If the second portion of the tamper-evident band extends upwardly and inwardly to abut the A-collar, then proper positioning and separation are ensured, but the band structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The second portion of the band is pre-formed to extend upwardly and inwardly at specific angles, and the extension portion is pre-positioned to abut against the A-collar. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that during closure application, the band automatically positions itself correctly without requiring additional manufacturing steps or complex assembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The tamper-evident band employs asymmetric geometry, with the second portion extending upwardly and inwardly at specific non-uniform angles, and the extension portion positioned offset from the center. This asymmetric design provides precise positioning and controlled separation paths while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing, as the asymmetry is built into the single-piece molded structure
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A
AI summary
A closure includes first and second closure portions. The first closure portion includes a top wall portion and an annular skirt portion that includes an internal thread formation. The second closure portion includes a tamper-evident band being at least partially detachably connected to the skirt portion by a frangible connection. The tamper-evident band includes first and second portions connected via a bending area. The second portion extends generally upwardly from the bending area towards the top portion and is located inwardly from the first portion of the band. The second portion of the band includes a tab portion and an extension portion. The extension portion is located further from the bending area than the tab portion. The average thickness of the tab portion is greater than the average thickness of the extension portion. The extension portion extends continuously around an entire inner circumference of the closure.