Tamper-Evident Flap Box with Break Line Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions for pharmaceutical preparations, such as blister packs, face challenges in providing a cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing, and reliable tamper-evident closure that can be easily re-closed and disposed of after initial opening.
Innovation Solution
A box design featuring a tamper-evident flap connected via a break line at the access opening, which accommodates a lid flap in its closed state, ensuring the flap is not visible, and interlocks with the lid flap to indicate opening while allowing secure re-closure through side flaps supporting the tamper-evident flap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transparent overwrap or seal is used to secure the lid, then tamper evidence is provided, but manufacturing costs increase due to additional application steps
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper-evident function is merged with the box structure itself by integrating the tamper-evident flap into the box body and the lid flap into the lid. This eliminates the need for separate overwraps or seals, providing tamper evidence while avoiding additional manufacturing steps and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The box structure provides its own tamper evidence capability through the integrated flaps and break line mechanism. The box serves its own security function without requiring external tamper-evident components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If a seal is used to secure the lid, then tamper evidence is provided, but the seal looks unpleasant when broken and must be disposed of
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper-evident flap is designed to be separated from the box body after initial opening through the break line. This extracted flap can be easily removed and disposed of, leaving the box body and lid intact and aesthetically pleasing for continued use.
Solution Approach 2:
The tamper-evident flap serves its security function during initial opening, then is designed to be discarded after use. The break line enables clean separation, allowing the flap to be disposed of while the main box structure remains intact and presentable.
3Reliability
If an additional flap with break line is used for tamper evidence, then tamper evidence is provided, but the flap structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper-evident flap serves multiple functions: it provides tamper evidence through the break line mechanism, secures the lid flap in the closed state through the slot accommodation, and can be easily separated for disposal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall structure despite the added security feature.
4Reliability
If the lid flap interlocks with the tamper-evident flap, then secure re-closure is enabled, but the slot for accommodating the flap reduces available space
Solution Approach 1:
The box structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the tamper-evident flap with its slot is separated from the main box body by the break line, and the lid flap is separated from the lid by a fold line. This segmentation allows the interlocking mechanism to occupy minimal space while providing secure re-closure, as each segment can be optimized for its specific function without interfering with overall box volume.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A box for packaging pharmaceutical preparations comprises a box body (2, 3, 4, 5, 10'), which is accessible via an access opening, and a lid (10). The lid (10) is adapted to close the access opening of the box body when in a closed state. The lid (10) is connected to the box body at a hinge line (12) and is swivelable about the hinge line (12) for transfer from the closed state to an opened state. A tuck-in lid flap (14) is connected to the lid (10), via a fold line (16), at an edge zone of the lid (10) opposite to the hinge line (12). A tamper-evident flap (20) is connected to the box body, via a break line (22), at an edge zone of the access opening opposite to the hinge line (12) of the lid (10).