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 rotating tabs, fail to effectively indicate tampering and are costly due to additional materials and complex manufacturing processes, with existing solutions not providing clear evidence of container opening or tampering.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-evident coupling system comprising a first and second coupling portion with hooks and a removable portion, where the coupling portions engage stably during arming, and the removable portion separates upon opening, visibly indicating tampering and preventing re-engagement, thus ensuring security and simplicity in manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive labels are used as tamper-evident system, then the container can be closed securely, but the labels can be easily removed without clear evidence of tampering and production costs increase
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, connected by a removable portion. This segmentation allows the tamper-evident function to be achieved through structural design rather than additional adhesive labels, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable portion is extracted as a distinct element that connects the two coupling portions. This extracted component provides clear tamper evidence when removed or broken, achieving reliable tamper detection without requiring complex adhesive label systems.
2Reliability
If additional seals and labels are added to make container tamper-proof, then security is improved, but production costs increase due to additional raw materials and preparation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper-evident function is merged into the coupling system itself through the removable portion, eliminating the need for separate adhesive labels and seals. This integration achieves security without increasing raw material consumption, as the coupling portions are part of the standard container structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system with removable portion serves multiple functions: it provides closure security, tamper evidence, and structural integrity all in one mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional security components, reducing raw material requirements while maintaining high security standards.
3Ease of manufacture
If rotating tabs with weakened portions are used for closure, then the container can be closed without additional seals, but clear evidence of tampering is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The removable portion is positioned at a specific location within the coupling system where its removal or breaking provides localized but visible tamper evidence. This local modification maintains the overall simplicity of the coupling system while reliably indicating tampering through the absence or damage of the removable portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable portion can be designed with visual characteristics (such as color contrast or transparency) that make its presence or absence clearly visible, providing unambiguous tamper evidence without complicating the manufacturing process. This allows users to immediately detect tampering through visual inspection.
Data Source
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Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a coupling system (1) made of tamper-evident sheet material 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 the second coupling portions are configured for defining an arming condition in which they are stably engaged with each other. At least one between the first and the second coupling portion (13, 14) comprises a removable portion (15) configured for separating from the coupling system upon a first disengagement condition of the first and second coupling portion (13, 14) following the arming condition for preventing a following coupling of the first and second coupling portion (13, 14). The coupling system comprises a supporting portion (16) constrained to the second base portion (12) and/or the second coupling portion (14); said supporting portion is configured, during an initial contact step between the first and the second coupling portion (13, 14), for supporting the second coupling portion. The present invention also relates to a process for making the coupling system, a container comprising said coupling system as well as a use of the latter.