Tamperproof Wire Cap Rack Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tamper-evident solutions for packaging, such as retractable sleeves and detachable plastic accessories, are easily replicable by fraudsters and often distort the aesthetic appearance after opening, making it difficult to ensure inviolability and authenticity before first use.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a vertical strap with four arms and a self-tightening collar forms a visible muzzle that irreversibly secures the primary packaging until first use, allowing complete opening by a detachable tab, ensuring the packaging regains its original appearance and aesthetic while preventing unauthorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a retractable sleeve made of thin film is used to ensure tamper-evident function, then the inviolability before first use is ensured, but the protection is easily copied and replaced identically by fraudsters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinviolability before first useVSAvoidresistance to copying
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple independent components: a cage with arms, a collar with rack mechanism, and a detachable tab. These segmented parts work together to create a tamper-evident system that is more difficult to replicate than a simple retractable sleeve, while maintaining the inviolability function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rack and pinion mechanism acts as an intermediary between the collar and the cage arms, creating a mechanical interlocking system that prevents unauthorized removal or replacement. This intermediate mechanism adds complexity that deters fraudsters while preserving the tamper-evident functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a detachable plastic accessory integrating primary packaging is used, then the inviolability is ensured, but the aesthetic appearance is distorted by residual technical components after opening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinviolability before first useVSAvoidaesthetic appearance after opening
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The detachable tab is designed to be completely removed from the collar after use. When the tab is pulled, it takes with it the entire collar assembly, leaving no residual technical components on the primary packaging. This extraction principle ensures that the packaging regains its original aesthetic appearance after opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The collar and tab assembly is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after serving its tamper-evident function. The mechanism allows the tab to be pulled away, taking the collar with it, so that no ugly residuals remain on the packaging. The primary packaging is recovered in its original aesthetic state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Reliability

If a visible muzzle device is used to guarantee inviolability, then the authenticity is guaranteed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthenticity guaranteeVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cage, collar, and tab are merged into a single integrated device that functions as a unified tamper-evident system. The cage arms are connected to the collar through the rack mechanism, and the tab is integrated into the collar structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled and managed, simplifying the overall system despite its enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs multiple functions: it provides tamper evidence, ensures authenticity, and maintains aesthetic appearance. The rack and pinion mechanism serves both as a locking mechanism and as a guide for the tab removal. The cage structure both protects the stopper and provides the visual indication of tampering. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2625115B1Tamperproof wire cap
Publication Date: 2014.08.13 LES BOUCHAGES DELAGE
  • EP2625115B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2625115B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4b
  • EP2625115B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a visible device for guaranteeing that a first packaging has not been tampered with before first use. According to the invention, said device comprises a first vertical strap (1) having four arms, each having an oriented rack (3) on which a movable collar (2) is positioned horizontally at 90° and at a desired height, wherein said collar is provided, on the inside thereof, with a male (4) and female (6) non-return rack. When the collar (2) is concentrically tightened to the fullest extent thereof, the device (1, 2) is tensioned and simultaneously flattened against the primary package while irreversibly confining the latter, the deliberate destruction of the device being enabled by a detachable tab (7, 10).