Tamper-evident multi-compartment package with frangible cover sheet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-compartment medication dispensing packages lack effective tamper-evidence mechanisms to indicate if the package has been accessed or tampered with.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-evident multi-compartment dispensing package design featuring a base member with frangible separation lines and a cover sheet with tamper-evident cuts, adhesive, and liner patches, allowing for secure sealing and visible indication of tampering attempts through L-shaped cuts and foldable tabs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a multi-compartment dispensing package is designed with simple adhesive sealing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but tamper-evidence capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover sheet is segmented into multiple closure members, each associated with a specific compartment unit. This segmentation allows each closure member to be independently tamper-evident while maintaining overall package manufacturability through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Tamper-evident cuts are pre-formed in the closure members during manufacturing. These pre-prepared structural features enable automatic tamper-evidence activation when the package is opened, eliminating the need for additional tamper-evidence components or complex assembly steps.
2Reliability
If tamper-evident cuts are added to the cover sheet, then tamper-evidence capability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper-evident cuts are merged with the frangible separation lines of the base member, creating coincident fracture paths. This integration allows a single tearing action to simultaneously separate compartment units and activate tamper-evidence, reducing the number of discrete features needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure members serve multiple functions: they seal the compartments, provide tamper-evidence through pre-formed cuts, and facilitate user activation through corner access. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
3Ease of operation
If the package uses frangible separation lines for compartment detachment, then ease of operation is improved, but structural integrity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible separation lines are strategically positioned at specific locations (e.g., corners or edges) where localized stress concentration enables easy detachment. The rest of the package structure maintains full structural integrity with continuous adhesive bonding and interlocking features.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible lines are designed with curved or angled geometries that concentrate stress at specific points during detachment, requiring less force to initiate separation while maintaining overall package strength during normal handling and storage.
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 package provides secure, sealed compartment units with visible evidence of tampering attempts, ensuring medication integrity and user safety by facilitating easy access while preventing unauthorized access.
Implementation Method 1
The undersurface of the cover sheet is configured to be releasably secured to the flanges of the base member
Implementation Method 2
The flanges are detachably connected along frangible separation lines intersecting the corners so that each compartment unit may be separated from the other compartment units
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-compartment package for dispensing plural items is disclosed. The package includes plural individual sealed compartment units which are releasably secured to each other. Each compartment unit includes a flanged base from which a chamber depends. The chamber holds an item to be dispensed and is surrounded by a flange. A closure member, in the form of a respective portion of a frangible cover sheet, is adhesively secured to the flange of each compartment unit. Each closure member includes plural tamper-evident cuts therein located adjacent respective corners of the closure member to initiate a tear upon attempted removal of the closure member from the flange of its associated compartment unit.