Tamper-Evident Ring Radial Compression via Socket Latches

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wide-mouth containers with tamper-evident rings face issues with increased diameter due to elastic spring deflection of tamper-evident rings, leading to reduced packaging efficiency and potential leaks from unfavorable locking element positions, which affect the sealing pressure and appearance.

Innovation Solution

The latching elements on the threaded socket are designed to be elastically resilient, allowing them to move radially inward, reducing the spring deflection of the tamper-evident ring and minimizing the overall diameter, while maintaining an identical closing force profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the latching elements of the tamper-evident ring are designed to be elastically resilient and move radially outward, then the locking mechanism can engage properly, but the overall diameter of the screw cap and tamper-evident ring increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism engagementVSAvoiddiameter of screw cap and tamper-evident ring

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the latching elements of the tamper-evident ring elastically resilient and moving them radially outward, the patent inverts the approach by making the latching elements on the threaded socket elastically resilient and moving them radially inward. This allows the locking mechanism to engage properly while minimizing the overall diameter of the screw cap and tamper-evident ring assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of elasticity from the tamper-evident ring's latching elements to the threaded socket's latching elements. By transferring the elastic property to the threaded socket's latching elements, the system achieves reliable engagement without increasing the radial dimensions of the tamper-evident ring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If the latching elements are positioned in an unfavorable location, then the closing torque can be applied, but the sealing pressure is reduced and leaks may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosing torqueVSAvoidsealing pressure and leak prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic movement of the latching elements on the threaded socket, allowing them to move radially inward elastically during the closing process. This dynamic adjustment enables the latching elements to accommodate variations in positioning while maintaining proper engagement, ensuring both closing torque application and reliable sealing pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the tamper-evident ring protrudes outward from the screw cap, then the locking mechanism has sufficient space to engage, but the packaging efficiency is reduced due to increased overall diameter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism engagement spaceVSAvoidpackaging efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional design by placing the elastically resilient latching elements on the threaded socket rather than on the tamper-evident ring. This allows the locking mechanism to engage with sufficient space while the tamper-evident ring remains flush with or close to the screw cap surface, maximizing packaging efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This design reduces the installation space required for the tamper-evident system, minimizes the diameter of the screw cap and tamper-evident ring, and maintains consistent sealing pressure, thereby enhancing packaging efficiency and appearance.

Implementation Method 1

the latching elements on the threaded socket are designed to be elastically resilient and/or connected to the threaded socket in an elastically resilient manner in order to enable the latching elements of the tamper-evident ring to be guided past the latching elements of the threaded socket when the screw cap is screwed on for the first time

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic spring deflection: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic spring deflection reduction: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3543163B1Container for a rotary closure with tamper indicating band

Publication Date: 2020.12.09 GFV VERSCHLUSSTECHN

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

One aspect of the invention relates to a container (6), in particular a wide-mouth can, comprising: a threaded fitting (5) with an opening (16) that can be closed with a screw cap (1), wherein radially outwardly projecting locking elements (7) are formed on the threaded fitting (5), which, in a closed position of the screw cap (1), engage radially inwardly projecting locking elements (4) on a tamper-evident ring (2) connected to the screw cap (1) via at least one predetermined breaking point (3). The locking elements (7) on the threaded fitting (5) are elastically resilient and/or elastically resiliently connected to the threaded fitting (5) in order to allow the locking elements (4) of the tamper-evident ring (2) to pass the locking elements (7) of the threaded fitting (5) when the screw cap (1) is first screwed into the closed position.