Thermoplastic Security Seal Single-Mold Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermoplastic security seals are costly due to the need for multiple molds in their manufacturing process and lack efficient tamper evidence, making them less competitive in cost-sensitive markets.
Innovation Solution
A single-mold thermoplastic security seal design featuring a housing body with a locking recess and a movable arm, where the cover is initially molded as one piece with the body and later separated, using deformed posts for secure locking and tamper evidence, reducing production costs and enhancing tampering detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple molds are used in the manufacturing process, then the seal provides effective tamper evidence and secure locking, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal body is divided into two main segments: a stationary body and a movable arm, both molded as a single integrated piece. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to function securely while being produced in a single mold, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the locking element and the arm into a single molded structure, eliminating the need for separate molds for different components. The locking element is integrated into the arm, which is itself integrated with the body, creating a unified structure that reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining secure locking functionality
2Reliability
If multiple molds are used in the manufacturing process, then the locking mechanism can be securely assembled, but the production time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element and arm are pre-formed as a single integrated structure during the molding process itself, rather than requiring separate assembly steps. The movable arm is designed with built-in locking capability that is activated simply by movement, eliminating the need for complex multi-step assembly operations and improving production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The movable arm automatically performs the locking function through its own movement, without requiring external assembly operations. When the arm moves to its locked position, the integrated locking element automatically engages with the locking chamber, making the locking mechanism self-actuating and eliminating the need for separate assembly molds or steps
3Reliability
If the locking recess is fully enclosed, then tamper evidence is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into a stationary body and a movable arm that together form the locking mechanism. The movable arm acts as a cover that encloses the locking recess when in the locked position, providing tamper evidence functionality without requiring a separate enclosed mold cavity. This segmentation allows simple mold design while achieving the enclosed appearance through the movable component
4Ease of manufacture
If a movable arm with integrated locking element is used, then the number of molds is reduced to one, but the structural design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable arm serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the cover for the locking recess, contains the locking element, provides the hasp receiving loop when locked, and serves as the movable component that activates the locking mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and molds while the modular design keeps the structural complexity manageable
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
The solution reduces manufacturing costs by using a single mold and provides effective tamper evidence through deformed posts, making the seal more competitive and secure.
Implementation Method 1
The locking element or the locking chamber may include a resilient tang or locking member that mates by compressively bending the resilient tang or locking member during insertion into the locking chamber and which locking member returns to its quiescence position in the locked state
Data Source
AI summary
A security seal includes a molded one piece body and a cover disc. The body has a cylindrical chamber for receiving the disc. A locking recess is formed in the body in communication with the chamber and defined in part by a locking shoulder. The cover is secured to the body in the chamber to enclose the locking recess. The disc is separated from the body when enclosing the chamber. A rotatable arm is attached to an extension member extending from the body via a hinge. The free end of the arm has an arrow shaped locking element attached that engages the recess locking shoulder when inserted into the recess. The locking element has a resilient tang member that is compressed by the locking shoulder and which tang member returns to its acquiescent state when fully inserted into the recess thereby locking the tang member in the recess. The cover has posts that extend through mating bores in the body, the protruding ends of the posts are deformed to preclude withdrawal of the posts from the bores to thereby lock the cover to the body.