Tamper-Evident Container Neck Ring with Resilient Fitment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers lack effective tamper-evident and anti-refill mechanisms that can securely indicate if the product has been opened or tampered with, and prevent refilling without damaging the container or fitment.
Innovation Solution
A container with an attachment ring that serves as an anchor for a non-removable fitment, using a resilient ring to secure the fitment to the container, and featuring a tamper-indicator that changes visually upon opening or attempted refilling, and a heat-sensitive material to break the container if tampered with.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fitment is made non-removable to prevent refilling, then anti-refill capability is improved, but the container cannot be opened for legitimate dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The fitment transitions from a static non-removable state to a dynamic system where the resilient ring can be compressed to release the fitment. The fitment is held in place by elastic force until a sufficient force is applied to compress the ring, at which point the fitment can be removed. This dynamic behavior allows both secure anchoring during normal use and controlled removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the elastic parameter of the resilient ring by applying compressive force. When the ring is in its relaxed state, it provides strong anchoring force. When sufficient compressive force is applied, the ring's elastic parameter changes, allowing the fitment to be released. This parameter change enables the transition between secured and removable states.
2Reliability
If a tamper-indicator is added to evidence tampering, then tamper-detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper-indicator function is merged with the existing resilient ring component. The ring serves dual purposes: anchoring the fitment through elastic resistance and indicating tampering through visible deformation. This merging eliminates the need for separate indicator mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while adding tamper-detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient ring is designed to perform multiple functions: it anchors the fitment during normal operation, provides visual indication of tampering through deformation, and can serve as part of the release mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while achieving tamper-detection.
3Ease of operation
If a resilient ring is used to anchor the fitment, then ease of legitimate removal is improved, but anti-refill reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires preliminary action (applying sufficient force to compress the resilient ring) before the fitment can be removed. This preliminary action serves as a deterrent to refilling attempts, as it requires deliberate effort and may trigger visible deformation of the ring, indicating tampering. Legitimate users with proper tools can perform this action, but casual refilling attempts are discouraged.
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 secure, tamper-evident mechanism that prevents refilling and visibly indicates if the product has been opened or tampered with, deterring counterfeiting by making refilled packages identifiable.
Implementation Method 1
a heat-sensitive material to break the container if tampered with
Implementation Method 2
using a resilient ring to secure the fitment to the container
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7~8
AI summary
A product includes a container (12, 12', 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712) including a neck (18, 18', 118, 218, 318, 418, 518), and a ring (16, 16', 116, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616, 716). The ring may be used to non-removably couple a fitment (14, 414, 514, 614, 714) to the container and/or may be adapted irreversibly to change a characteristic of the ring that is visible from outside of the container to advise a user that a package has been opened.