Tamper-Proof Cap and Spout with Segmented Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tamper-evident solutions for packaging, such as tamper rings and flanges, can be easily defeated, compromising the integrity and safety of packaged products, as they can be resealed without clear visual indication of opening.
Innovation Solution
A cap with a first tamper-proof indicator that breaks before a second indicator on the spout, ensuring that the package remains sealed until the second indicator is separated, providing a reliable visual indication of opening and preventing resealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single tamper ring is used on the cap, then the structure is simple, but it can be easily defeated by resealing
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper evidence system is segmented into two distinct indicators: a first tamper proof indicator on the cap and a second tamper proof indicator on the spout. This segmentation ensures that even if one indicator is compromised, the other remains intact to provide evidence of tampering, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity by distributing the security function across multiple independent elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The first tamper proof indicator is designed to break or separate before the cap can be removed from the spout. This preliminary action occurs during the unscrewing process itself, ensuring that any attempt to open the package is immediately evidenced before the cap can be reused, thus enhancing reliability without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the first tamper proof indicator breaks before cap removal, then tamper evidence reliability is improved, but the cap structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The first tamper proof indicator merges the cap and spout into a single sealed unit during normal storage and transport. This merged state provides clear visual evidence of package integrity. When the cap is unscrewed, the indicator automatically separates, providing tamper evidence without requiring additional complex mechanisms beyond the integrated design of the cap-spout assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional tamper rings are used, then the structure is simple, but they can be easily replaced by screwing the cap in opposite direction
Solution Approach 1:
The first tamper proof indicator is designed to break or separate as a preliminary anti-action before the cap can be removed or reused. This prevents any attempt to screw the cap in the opposite direction or reuse it, as the indicator will have already been compromised during the initial unscrewing action, thereby neutralizing potential tampering methods before they can be executed.
Data Source
AI summary
A cap (10) configured to interact with a spout (12), said cap (10) comprising: a proximal section (14), a distal section (16), a sidewall section (18) in between said proximal (14) and distal section (16); at least two rotating means (20) attached to said sidewall (18) wherein said rotating means (20) configured to be attached to a first tamper proof indicator; at least one cutting element (22) configured in the proximal section (14) of said cap (10) arranged to remove a second tamper proof indicator (24) provided in said spout (12); wherein said cap (10) is arranged such that said first tamper proof indicator is arranged to break or open before said second tamper proof indicator (24) of said spout (12) is removed when said cap (10) is being unscrewed from said spout (12). A spout (12) configured to interact with a cap (10), said spout (12) comprising: a neck (26) provided with a second tamper proof indicator (24) extending radially outside said neck (26) such that a membrane projection is formed; wherein said second tamper proof indicator (24) arranged to be separated from the neck (26) when said cap (10) is unscrewed.