Tamper-Proof Bottle Cap Structure to Prevent Refilling and Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tamper-proof caps for bottles used in inverted dispensers do not effectively prevent refilling with incompatible products or ensure proper re-closure, leading to potential leakage and damage when the bottle is empty.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-proof cap design with a frangible member that breaks upon removal, preventing re-securing, combined with arcuate retaining members and support members around the cap's circumference, ensuring the cap cannot be reattached once the bottle is empty, and a pressure relief valve to manage air pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tamper-proof cap with a frangible element is used to prevent refilling, then the reliability of preventing incompatible product refilling is improved, but the ease of operation for legitimate refilling is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible element is pre-configured to break at a specific point when the cap is removed, automatically triggering the retention member to engage with the bottle neck. This preliminary arrangement ensures that any cap removal attempt (whether legitimate refilling or incompatible product insertion) will activate the prevention mechanism, thereby maintaining reliability while allowing legitimate use before the break point.
2Reliability
If the cap is designed to be securely attached to prevent leakage, then the reliability of preventing leakage is improved, but the ease of operation for cap removal and refilling is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a screw-threaded secure attachment portion for leakage prevention, and a frangible element with retention member for controlled release. The secure attachment threads provide strong holding force to prevent leakage during normal use, while the frangible element can be cleanly broken to release the retention member, enabling easy cap removal and refilling operations.
3Reliability
If a frangible member is used to prevent re-securing of the cap, then the reliability of tamper-proof functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible element and retention member are merged into a single integrated component rather than separate parts. The retention member is formed as an extension of the frangible element, sharing the same material and structural continuity. This merging reduces the number of separate components, simplifies assembly, and lowers manufacturing complexity while maintaining the tamper-proof functionality.
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
Prevents refilling with incompatible products and ensures secure closure of the cap, preventing leakage and damage, while allowing for easy refilling and maintaining the dispenser's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The frangible member breaks upon removal of the cap from the bottle
Implementation Method 2
a pressure relief valve to manage air pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention is directed to a bottle (20) with a tamper-proof cap (21) with an outlet in the cap for dispensing the liquid from the bottle. The bottle is designed, in particular, for use in an inverted configuration, namely with the outlet lowermost in normal use, in a device for dispensing liquid soap or the like.