Tamper-Evident Thread Mechanism for Container Stopper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stopper devices with tamper-proofing mechanisms face safety and environmental issues due to small, detachable parts that can be ingested or inhaled, and visibility problems with reinforced designs that obscure the breakage indication.
Innovation Solution
A 'fuse wire' tamper-proofing system where a strand of material breaks upon first use, providing clear visual indication and remaining attached to prevent ingestion hazards and hindrance during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the tamper-proofing means is made to be sufficiently spaced apart to give visual indication, then the visibility of tamper-proofing status is improved, but the separated portion poses safety problems as it might be ingested or inhaled
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper-proofing means is segmented into a fixed portion attached to the base and a movable portion attached to the lid, connected by a breakable link. When the lid is opened for the first time, the breakable link breaks, causing the movable portion to separate and become trapped on the exterior of the base, providing clear visual indication while preventing ingestion hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The movable portion of the tamper-proofing means is extracted from the interior of the base and trapped on the exterior after the breakable link breaks. This extraction ensures the separated portion cannot be ingested or inhaled, while simultaneously providing clear visual indication of the broken seal status
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the tamper-proofing means is reinforced to prevent separation, then the safety problem is reduced, but the visibility of broken or unbroken state becomes very low
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper-proofing means is divided into fixed and movable portions connected by a breakable link. The breakable link is designed to break at a specific weak point, allowing controlled separation that provides clear visual indication while preventing the movable portion from becoming a loose hazard
Solution Approach 2:
The breakable link acts as an intermediary element between the fixed and movable portions. It transmits the mechanical action of opening the lid to the movable portion, causing it to separate and become trapped on the exterior, thereby providing visual indication without requiring the entire tamper-proofing means to be separated
3Loss of information
If a non-breakable elongate bridge is used to connect the detached portion, then the visibility is improved, but the detached portion becomes a hindrance during use and can be easily grasped and twisted
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper-proofing means is segmented into a fixed portion and a movable portion connected by a breakable link. The breakable link is designed to break into small fragments rather than remaining as an elongate bridge, eliminating the hindrance to use while maintaining visual indication
Solution Approach 2:
The breakable link has a localized weak point designed to break under the mechanical action of opening the lid. This localized breaking ensures the link separates into small fragments rather than remaining as a long bridge, providing visual indication without creating operational hindrances
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a plugging device (1) that comprises a base (10) secured around the neck (2) and a cap (20) supported by the base and capable of movement between a closed and an open position. In order to improve the tamper-proof characteristic of the device, the invention comprises using, on the one hand, a breakable thread (30) having at least one longitudinal end permanently connected to a first portion (211) of the cap or the base and extending, before breaking, lengthwise along the periphery of said portion and, on the other end, a lug (40) permanently connected to another portion, respectively, of the base or the cap, and protruding towards the outside from said second portion. The lug is adapted to press at least on the free part of the thread until the thread is broken at a breaking area along the thread when the cap is moved for the first time from the closed position to the open position thereof, and to be interposed between the edges of said breaking area when the cap is then placed back into its closed position.