Tamper-Evident End Cap for Cartridge Receptacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing end caps for cartridge-shaped receptacles lack a reliable tamper-evident closure that can be easily inspected and handled, often requiring additional steps for disposal and risking damage during storage and transport.
Innovation Solution
An end cap with a cylindrical design featuring a radially extending flange portion that includes a sealing ring and a predetermined breaking/tearing portion, allowing for secure sealing and immediate visual inspection of the tamper-evident closure, and facilitating easy handling and disposal by breaking at a predefined point when removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a film seal is arranged on the connecting port, then the cartridge can be sealed, but the film can be damaged or pierced during storage and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible film seal that can be stretched over the connecting port to provide sealing. The film is designed to be flexible enough to conform to the port shape while maintaining sealing integrity. This flexible film approach allows the seal to accommodate minor deformations and prevents damage during storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (the film seal) between the connecting port and the external environment. This film acts as a protective barrier that prevents direct exposure of the port to damaging conditions while still allowing the cartridge to be sealed. The film serves as a mediator that protects against harmful factors during storage and transport.
2Reliability
If an end cap is screwed onto the connecting port, then the cartridge is sealed, but additional handling steps are required and disposal becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from a complex screw-on end cap mechanism and implements it through a simpler film seal system. The film seal can be easily applied without requiring threading or screwing operations, thereby simplifying handling while maintaining sealing reliability. This extraction of the sealing function eliminates the need for complex attachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable film seal that is intended to be used once and then discarded. The film seal is designed to be simple, inexpensive, and easy to apply, eliminating the need for complex reusable end caps. This disposable approach simplifies handling and disposal while maintaining reliable sealing during the intended use period.
3Ease of operation
If a predetermined breaking portion is provided on the end cap, then disposal is simplified, but the tamper-evident closure becomes less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the end cap into distinct functional portions: a breaking portion for easy disposal and a sealing portion for maintaining tamper-evident closure. The breaking portion is designed to detach at a predetermined location, separating the end cap into a disposable shell and a remaining sealing component. This segmentation allows simplified disposal while preserving the reliability of the tamper-evident closure function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different properties to different parts of the end cap. The breaking portion is designed with specific characteristics (such as predetermined break lines or weaker material sections) that allow easy detachment, while the sealing portion maintains full integrity and tamper-evident properties. This localized differentiation enables both easy disposal and reliable sealing closure.
Data Source
AI summary
An end cap which is prepared for being fastened, especially attached, to an especially pipe socket-type connecting port of a cartridge-shaped receptacle and in a mounted state serves for sealing the connecting port, including a top surface portion, a shell surface portion being connected, especially perpendicularly and cylindrically, to the top surface portion, and a flange portion connected to the shell surface portion, the flange portion including and/or forming a sealing portion, by which the end cap can be fixed and sealed to the cartridge-shaped receptacle, and a predetermined breaking/tearing portion, at which the end cap tears and/or breaks in a predefined manner when the end cap is removed from the cartridge-shaped receptacle.