Tamper-Evident Device With Movable Flap For Clear Indication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tamper-evident devices for containers are often difficult to access, require significant effort to open, and are costly to manufacture, while also lacking clear evidence of tampering.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a sleeve and an insert with a movable flap that changes position when the sleeve is moved relative to the insert, providing clear indication of tampering through a simple and efficient mechanism, and a tray system for organizing and transferring multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cover layer comprised of aluminum foil, plastic, fibrous material is bonded to a rim of container, then evidence of tampering is provided, but it is difficult to access and requires significant effort to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper-evident device is divided into multiple segments: a container, a tamper-evident cap assembly (including a cap and a tamper-evident member), and a seal member. The tamper-evident member is further segmented into a flange and a tamper-evident portion. This segmentation allows the device to provide clear tampering evidence while enabling easier access and removal compared to monolithic cover layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the tamper-evident function from a separate cover layer and integrates it into the cap assembly itself. The tamper-evident member is positioned between the cap and the container opening, allowing the cap assembly to inherently provide tampering evidence without requiring a separate bonded cover layer that is difficult to remove.
2Reliability
If more complex or costly tamper-evident devices are used, then evidence of tampering is provided, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the cap and the tamper-evident member into a single integrated cap assembly. The tamper-evident member includes a flange and a tamper-evident portion that work together as one unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and reduces manufacturing complexity while providing reliable tampering evidence.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap assembly serves multiple functions: it seals the container opening, provides tampering evidence, and can be easily removed when needed. The tamper-evident member simultaneously provides visual indication of tampering and maintains the sealed state. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.
3Reliability
If a seal member is positioned between the container opening and the tamper-evident device, then sealing is improved, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is merged with the tamper-evident cap assembly, forming an integrated unit. The seal member is positioned between the container opening and the tamper-evident member, creating a unified sealing and tamper-evident system. This merging improves sealing effectiveness while avoiding the complexity of completely separate sealing and tamper-evident components.
Data Source
AI summary
A device adapted to provide evidence of tampering. The device comprises a sleeve and an insert that is positioned within the sleeve. The insert comprises a flap that is movable between a closed position and an open position. In particular, the flap is adapted to move from a closed position to an open position when the position of the sleeve relative to the insert is changed a predetermined amount to try to open the container. As a result, an open position of the flap would readily indicate tampering to a user. A system comprising a tray adapted to receive at least one said device is also provided.