Tamper-Evident Closure with Segmented Tuck Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tamper-evident closures for containers with external threads and locking shoulders are difficult to recycle due to the need to remove the locking band, which requires time and effort, making recycling economically infeasible.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-evident closure design featuring a tuck ring with segments that bend radially outward along hinge bridges upon removal, allowing for audible indication of opening and facilitating easier recycling by breaking sacrificial bridges and vertical splits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tamper-evident closure with a locking band is used to provide audible indication and security, then reliability of tamper indication is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of recycling worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The tuck ring is divided into multiple segments separated by vertical splits, with hinge bridges connecting these segments to the capsule body. This segmentation allows the tuck ring to break into manageable pieces that can spread apart, providing audible indication while simplifying removal from the container during recycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking band (tuck ring) is designed to be removable from the container without requiring removal of the entire capsule. The sacrificial bridges and vertical splits enable the tuck ring to be extracted and discarded separately, facilitating recycling of the container while maintaining the tamper-evident function.
2Ease of manufacture
If sacrificial bridges are used to enable tuck ring removal, then ease of recycling is improved, but strength of the closure structure worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The sacrificial bridges are designed as disposable structural elements that fracture during tuck ring removal. These bridges provide necessary structural connection during normal use and sealing operations, but are intentionally designed to fail under the stress of removal, enabling easy separation of the tuck ring from the capsule for recycling purposes.
3Ease of operation
If vertical splits are introduced to divide the tuck ring, then ease of operation for recycling is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical splits create a dynamic structure where the tuck ring segments can move independently relative to each other. During normal operation, the segments remain connected through hinge bridges. During removal, the segments can separate and spread apart radially, providing audible indication and facilitating easy removal without requiring precise alignment during manufacturing.
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
The closure provides a clear audible indication of the first opening and can be reused, while the sacrificial components simplify recycling by breaking away from the main structure, thus addressing the economic infeasibility of recycling.
Implementation Method 1
The segments bend radially outward along the hinge bridges by a camming action on the locking shoulder on removal of the entire closure from the container.
Data Source
AI summary
A tamper evident closure (100) for containers having a threaded neck and a locking shoulder. The closure has a top (102) and an annular skirt (104) defining a cavity (105). The skirt has an upper portion (106) having threads (110) projecting into the cavity (105) for engaging the threaded neck, a lower portion (108) having a tuck ring (114), and a peripheral slit (112) between the upper portion and the lower portion. The peripheral slit (112) is interrupted by a plurality of hinge bridges (116), a plurality of pairs of sacrificial bridges (118) spaced from one another by a gap (120), and a plurality of vertical splits (124). One of each split (124) is in registration with a respective gap (120). The sacrificial bridges (118) and the tuck ring (114) break upon removal of the closure to divide the tuck ring into segments (126) between the vertical splits (124). The segments bend radially outward along the hinge bridges by a camming action on the locking shoulder on removal of the entire closure from the container.