Tamper-Evident Closure with Sliding Ring for Head Stand Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tamper-evident closures for head stand containers do not effectively provide clear indication of previous opening, as the mechanisms for ensuring tamper evidence are not visibly apparent after re-closure, especially when the container is stored in an inverted position.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-evident closure system featuring a cylindrical ring with frangible bridges, where one part is fixed to the base and the other part slides onto the lid, creating a visible gap after initial opening, ensuring that previous opening is evident due to the separation of the ring parts, even when the container is stored upside down.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tamper-evident closure mechanism is implemented, then tamper evidence is provided, but the visual indication of previous opening is not clearly apparent after re-closure
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper-evident band is divided into two separate parts: a first part fixed to the base and a second part that can move relative to the first part. This segmentation allows the second part to slide away from the first part upon opening, creating a visible gap that persists after re-closure, thus providing clear visual indication while maintaining tamper evidence functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The tamper-evident mechanism utilizes the radial dimension by allowing the second part of the band to slide radially outward from the first part. This dimensional movement creates a visible separation gap that is easily observable, transforming the tamper indication from a subtle state change to a clearly visible spatial separation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the closure is designed for head stand storage, then storage stability is improved, but the tamper evidence becomes less visible when stored upside down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a transparent or translucent portion in the lid that allows visual inspection of the tamper-evident band's internal structure. This transparency enables users to observe the gap between the first and second parts of the band even when the container is stored upside down, maintaining visibility of tamper evidence regardless of storage orientation.
3Ease of operation
If the tamper evident band is made frangible, then ease of opening is improved, but the structural integrity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible feature is localized to the bridges connecting the first and second parts of the tamper-evident band, while the main body of each part maintains full structural integrity. This segmented approach allows easy breaking at the connection points for opening while preserving the strength of the individual band parts for tamper evidence functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The band structure exhibits different properties at different locations: the bridges are designed with frangible characteristics for easy breaking, while the main portions of the first and second parts maintain high structural integrity. This local differentiation enables both ease of opening and structural strength in appropriate locations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a clear visual indication of previous opening, ensuring user awareness of the container's status and preventing accidental reuse, while maintaining the product's integrity by securing the tamper-evident band within the lid after re-closure.
Implementation Method 1
Once the closure lid is rotated through an angle of about 140°, the second part of the ring slides towards the top plate of the closure lid under the effect of gravity and is then secured therein by a small interference between the diameters of the lid and the upper part of the ring.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6A~6C
AI summary
A head stand container closure is provided. The closure comprises a base (2), and a lid (3) having a top plate (35) upon which the closure rests in use. The base is attachable to a container (10) and the lid is attached or attachable to the base. The closure comprises an internal tamper-evident member comprising a part (5) which is initially spaced from the lid top plate and upon first opening of the closure the part moves to or towards the top plate when the head is in a head down orientation.