Tamper-Evident Coupling System with Removable Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tamper-evident packaging systems, such as adhesive labels and paper containers with closing tabs, fail to provide clear visual verification of tampering and are costly to produce, with existing solutions not effectively preventing re-tampering or ensuring product integrity.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-evident coupling system comprising a first and second coupling portion with hooks and a removable portion that engages securely under an arming condition, allowing for easy activation and visual verification of tampering, while being cost-effective and adaptable for various materials like paper and plastic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive labels are used as tamper-evident system, then the container can prevent opening without label removal, but the labels can be easily removed and reapplied without clear damage evidence
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate components: a first coupling portion on the closure and a second coupling portion on the container body, which engage through hooks and a removable portion. This segmentation allows the tamper-evident function to be integrated into the closure mechanism itself rather than requiring separate adhesive labels, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system provides self-service tamper evidence through its mechanical design. The hooks engage automatically when the closure is applied, and the removable portion breaks upon opening, providing automatic visual evidence of tampering without requiring additional labels or complex mechanisms.
2Reliability
If adhesive labels are used to close the container, then the container can be sealed, but additional raw materials and application steps are required increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system merges the closure function and tamper-evident function into a single integrated mechanism. The hooks and removable portion are built into the closure assembly, eliminating the need for separate adhesive labels and their application steps, thereby reducing both cost and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical closure, tamper evidence, and visual verification all through one mechanism. The hooks secure the closure while the removable portion provides tamper evidence, replacing multiple separate components with a single multi-functional system.
3Ease of manufacture
If closing tabs with inserting portions are used, then the container can be closed without additional seals, but clear visual evidence of tampering is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system uses visual contrast through its structural design. The removable portion is positioned to be visible through a window or opening on the container, and when it breaks, the absence or change in appearance provides clear visual evidence of tampering, similar to color change effects but achieved through structural configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The tamper evidence is provided in a different dimensional space - the removable portion extends into a space visible through a window or opening on the container. This allows internal structural changes (the breaking of the removable portion) to be observed from the external dimension through the window, providing clear visual evidence without adding external components.
4Loss of information
If through opening is added to display removable portion, then tampering can be clearly shown, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure is segmented to include a window or opening that provides a viewing portal to the removable portion. This segmentation allows the tamper evidence function to be achieved through a simple structural modification (adding a window) rather than a complex display mechanism, minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a tamper-evident coupling system (1) comprising: a first base portion (11), a second base portion (12), a first coupling portion (13) borne by the first base portion (11), a second coupling portion (14) borne by the second base portion (12). The first and second coupling portions (13, 14) are configured for defining an arming condition in which they are firmly engaged with each other; wherein at least one of the first and second coupling portions (13, 14) comprises a weakening element (26) configured for defining a removable portion (15) configured for separating from the coupling system following a first disengagement condition of said first and second coupling portion (13, 14) subsequent to the arming condition to prevent a subsequent coupling of said coupling portions (13, 14). The coupling system (1) comprises a through opening defined on the second base portion (12) configured for enabling to display, at least during the arming condition of the coupling system (1), of at least part of the weakening element (26). The present invention also relates to a process for making the coupling system, a container comprising said coupling system as (1) well as a use of the latter.