Wrap-Around Container With Frangible Ear Tabs for Tamper Evidence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wrap around containers for electronic devices allow unauthorized access without detection, as they can be tampered with without visible signs of opening.
Innovation Solution
A wrap around container design featuring ears with integral ear tabs that are fixed to the intermediate portion, creating a barrier to unauthorized access, and a ripper tape to ensure tampering is evident, with adhesive seals for secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple wrap around container is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into multiple functional components: a wrap-around panel, a device receiving portion, a fixing portion, and multiple ears with ear tabs. This segmentation allows each component to serve a specific function while maintaining overall simplicity of manufacture from a single rectangular panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The ear tabs are pre-configured with frangible connections that will break upon attempted removal. This preliminary setup ensures that any unauthorized access attempt automatically leaves visible evidence, combining security with ease of manufacture from a single panel.
2Reliability
If adhesive seals are used for secure closure, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container transitions from a static sealed state to a dynamic opening process. The ears are designed to be liftably removable, allowing the container to adapt between secure closure and easy opening based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system is segmented into multiple ears distributed around the container, each providing independent adhesive sealing. This allows partial opening if needed while maintaining security through the remaining sealed ears.
3Reliability
If ears with integral ear tabs are used to prevent tampering, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ear tab is merged with the ear frame through an integral frangible connection, combining two components into one. This integration maintains security functionality while reducing the number of separate parts that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ears serve multiple functions: they provide structural reinforcement, create adhesive bonding surfaces for sealing, and incorporate frangible connections for tamper evidence. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional security components.
4Reliability
If frangible connections are used for ear tabs, then tamper evidence is improved, but strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible connection is localized to a specific weak point in the ear tab, while the rest of the ear structure maintains full strength. This localized weakness provides tamper evidence without compromising the overall structural integrity of the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible connection is pre-designed with a controlled weakness that will break under minimal force. This preliminary preparation ensures that any removal attempt, even gentle handling, will leave visible evidence while the connection remains strong during normal transport.
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 design effectively prevents unauthorized access by visibly indicating tampering attempts, ensuring the container remains secure and tamper-evident.
Implementation Method 1
the edge of the ear tab away from the ear tab base being frangibly connected with the ear frame; the edge of the tab of the intermediate portion away from the tab base being frangibly connected with the main body of the intermediate portion
Implementation Method 2
the ear tab fixed to the outer surface of the intermediate portion
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5
AI summary
A wrap around container (2) for holding an electronic device has a substantially rectangular panel (3) including a device receiving portion (4) at one end of the panel, a fixing portion (5) at the opposite end of the panel, and an intermediate portion (6) in between. The fixing portion (5) has a main fixing portion body (21) and a pair of ears (22, 23) which each extends from opposite sides of the main fixing portion body (21) when the ears (22, 23) are in an unfolded state, each side being on a longitudinal edge of the rectangular panel (3). Each ear (22, 23) comprises an ear frame (26) and an ear tab (27) which is configured to fit within the ear frame (26) wherein the ear tab (27) has a base which is integral with the ear frame (26). The intermediate portion (6) is arranged to be wrapped over the device receiving portion (4) so that the main fixing portion body (21) lies over an outer surface of the intermediate portion (6), and each ear (22, 23) is arranged to be folded onto the outer surface of the intermediate portion (6) and the ear tab (27) fixed to the outer surface of the intermediate portion (6) to close the container (2).