Tamper-Evident Container With Segmented Lid Flap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container manufacturing processes face challenges in incorporating tamper-proof closures efficiently, especially when using high-speed manufacturing methods, as they often require additional materials and modifications to existing apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a lid flap hingedly connected to the box with lines of weakness that must be broken to open, providing an audible indication of first-time use, integrated into a laminar blank for easy assembly without additional tamper-proof components, allowing secure closure and convenient access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tamper-proof features (labels, seals, wrappers) are incorporated into containers, then consumer visibility of container integrity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lid flap and box into a single integral structure formed from one laminar blank, eliminating the need for separate tamper-proof labels, seals, or wrappers. The line of weakness integrated into the laminar blank serves both as a structural connection and as the tamper-proof feature, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The line of weakness in the laminar blank serves multiple functions: it acts as a hinge connection between lid and box, provides the tamper-proof indication feature, and enables easy consumer opening. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated tamper-proof components.
2Reliability
If additional tamper-proof materials and components are used, then container security is improved, but material costs and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper-proof feature is merged into the existing laminar blank material that forms the container structure. No additional materials are required - the same cardboard or paperboard that forms the box and lid also provides the tamper-proof line of weakness, reducing material quantity and costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If lines of weakness are integrated into the laminar blank, then ease of manufacture is improved, but structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The line of weakness is localized to specific areas where the lid connects to the box, while the rest of the laminar blank maintains full structural strength. The weakness is precisely where needed for assembly and opening, not compromising overall container integrity during normal use.
4Reliability
If the lid flap is permanently attached to the box, then container security is improved, but ease of opening is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The lid flap is segmented from the box by the line of weakness, allowing the lid to be easily separated from the box body. This segmentation provides both security (when connected) and ease of opening (when separated), resolving the contradiction between permanent attachment and easy opening.
Data Source
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AI summary
A container (10) for consumer goods comprises: a box (12) for housing the consumer goods, the box (12) comprising a box front wall (18), a box back wall (20), a box bottom wall and box side walls (22), wherein the top face of the box (12) is at least partially open to provide an access opening for accessing the consumer goods; and a lid flap (14) hingedly connected to the box back wall (20) and comprising a lid top wall (30) and a lid front wall (32). In a closed position of the lid flap (14), the lid top wall (30) and the lid front wall (32) overlie the access opening and the box front wall (18). Prior to first opening of the container (10), at least one wall of the lid flap (14) is connected to a wall of the box (12) along a line of weakness (38), wherein upon separation of the lid flap (14) from the box (12) along the line of weakness (38), the lid flap (14) is movable into an open position in which the access opening is uncovered.