Tamper Evident Closure With Axial Constraint Recess
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tamper evident closures for liquid containers are vulnerable to fraudulent extraction and re-use, which can compromise consumer health and product authenticity, with current solutions being complex and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A tamper evident closure design featuring a tubular member with a frangible connection and inwardly-directed rotational and axial constraint members, including a recess that deforms visibly upon attempted extraction, providing evidence of tampering and deterring further attempts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing tamper evident closures are used, then evidence of opening is provided, but they are vulnerable to fraudulent extraction and re-use
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is divided into two main segments: a tubular member that remains on the container and a cap member that is removed during legitimate opening. The tubular member contains internal constraint members that segment the anti-tampering function into radial and axial components, each handled by specific geometric features within the tubular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The constraint members extend in radial directions from the longitudinal axis, creating a three-dimensional constraint system. The inwardly directed radial constraint members and axially extending constraint members work together in different spatial dimensions to prevent both rotational and axial extraction movements, adding dimensional complexity to the anti-tampering mechanism without requiring multiple separate components.
2Reliability
If complex anti-tampering mechanisms are implemented, then fraud deterrence is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple anti-tampering functions are merged into a single tubular member structure. The radial constraint members and axial constraint members are integrated into one piece, eliminating the need for separate rotational barriers and extraction prevention devices. This consolidation maintains high fraud deterrence while simplifying manufacturing compared to using multiple independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The constraint members are designed to automatically engage with the container neck and activate upon attempted extraction. The inwardly directed radial constraint members automatically resist rotational forces, and the axially extending members automatically prevent extraction, without requiring external activation mechanisms or complex control systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Tamper evident closure (100) for a liquid container having a neck (2) with an opening defining a pourer orifice (3), said tamper evident closure extending in an axial direction (X-X) and comprising: a tubular member (101) comprising an upper portion (102) and a lower portion (103) with a lower edge (113) surrounding an open bottom end (101a); and a plug member (123) coupled with said tubular member, configured to selectively close and open the pourer orifice of the liquid container. The lower end portion (103) of said tubular member comprises axial constraining means (110) configured to engage with corresponding axial constraining means of the container (5) in order to constrain said lower portion of the tubular member to the container in the axial direction (X-X) and thereby prevent its removal therefrom. Said lower portion (103) of said tubular member (101) also comprises at least one recess (115) positioned between said lower edge (113) and said axial constraining means (110), the recess including at least a portion with a reduced wall thickness (S2) whereby an axial thrust exceeding a predetermined value applied against said lower edge (113) in the direction of the upper portion (102) of said tubular member (101) will result in a visible deformation of the lower portion (103) at the recess (115).