Aseptic Package Fluid Dispensing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible package dispensing systems face challenges in simplicity of construction, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use, particularly in ensuring aseptic conditions and efficient liquid dispensing from flexible packages.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing apparatus comprising a fitment with a screw-thread section and a piercing member with a piercing tip, where the piercing member is threaded into the fitment to penetrate the package wall, ensuring a secure and leak-proof connection for efficient liquid dispensing, and includes sealing rings and a detent mechanism for secure deployment and prevention of reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple flange-based fitment is used for mounting on flexible packages, then the construction is simple and cost-effective, but the piercing mechanism lacks mechanical advantage and struggles with durable materials
Solution Approach 1:
The piercing member utilizes a screw-thread mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear advancement, providing progressive mechanical advantage as the user twists the piercing member to penetrate the package wall and advance the piercing tip through the fitment and into the liquid container
Solution Approach 2:
The fitment serves as an intermediary component between the flexible package wall and the piercing member, providing a mounting structure with a passageway that guides the piercing member and maintains sealing while allowing the piercing action to occur
2Strength
If the piercing member is designed to penetrate durable package materials, then piercing capability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The piercing member is pre-configured with a screw-thread exterior surface and a sharp piercing tip, allowing the user to initiate the piercing action by simply twisting the member, with the screw-threads providing progressive mechanical advantage throughout the penetration process
Solution Approach 2:
The screw-thread mechanism replaces the need for complex high-force piercing mechanisms, using rotational torque converted to linear advancement to achieve penetration of durable materials with simple manual operation
3Reliability
If a secure sealing mechanism is implemented to prevent leakage, then fluid-tight sealing is improved, but the ease of operation and user accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seal maintains automatic contact between the seal member and the package wall throughout the piercing and dispensing process, with the seal being compressed by the advancing piercing member and maintaining sealing without requiring additional user action or complex locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The seal dynamically adapts to the piercing action, being compressed as the piercing member advances and maintaining sealing pressure throughout the operation, allowing the seal to transition from a static component to an active sealing mechanism that responds to the piercing force
4Reliability
If the fitment is permanently sealed to the package wall for aseptic conditions, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the adaptability for different dispensing scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is segmented into three distinct components: the fitment permanently sealed to the package wall, the removable piercing member that performs the piercing action, and the seal that maintains aseptic conditions, allowing flexibility in operation while maintaining sterilization integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The fitment acts as an intermediary that is permanently sealed to the package wall to maintain aseptic conditions, while allowing the piercing member to be temporarily inserted and removed, providing both sterilization effectiveness and operational flexibility
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 provides a cost-effective, easy-to-use, and aseptic method for dispensing liquids from flexible packages, enhancing the mechanical advantage for piercing through durable materials and ensuring a fluid-tight seal, thereby addressing the limitations of previous systems.
Implementation Method 1
the screw-thread section of the piercing member threadedly engaging the screw-thread section of the fitment to cause the piercing tip to penetrate the portion of the wall of the package
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method are provided for dispensing a liquid from within a flexible package. The apparatus includes a fitment and a piercing member. The fitment is secured to a wall of the flexible package and has a passageway extending through it and a screw-thread section. The piercing member has a passageway extending through it, a piercing tip, and a screw-thread section. The piercing member is configured for insertion in the passageway of the fitment, with the screw-thread sections engaging each other to cause the piercing tip to penetrate the package, whereupon the liquid within the package can flow into and through the piercing member.