Aseptic Package Piercing Tip Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible package dispensing systems face challenges in simplicity of construction, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use, as well as ensuring aseptic conditions during liquid dispensing from flexible packages.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing apparatus comprising a fitment with a piercing member featuring a rotating piercing tip with leading and trailing teeth, designed to pierce the package wall while creating a flap for aseptic access, and sealing members to prevent leakage, allowing for secure and efficient liquid dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a piercing member with multiple trailing teeth is used to cut and pierce the package wall, then the piercing effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piercing tip is segmented into multiple functional teeth: one leading tooth with a first configuration and multiple trailing teeth with a second configuration. This segmentation allows each tooth type to perform specific functions - the leading tooth initiates the piercing action while the trailing teeth complete the cutting and piercing, thereby improving reliability without requiring an overly complex single-structure design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the piercing tip are given different local qualities through the varying tooth configurations. The leading tooth has distinct geometric properties compared to the trailing teeth, allowing each region of the piercing tip to be optimized for its specific function in the piercing sequence, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and complexity.
2Reliability
If a rotating piercing mechanism is used to pierce the package wall, then the piercing capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The piercing mechanism transitions from a static structure to a dynamic rotating mechanism. The piercing tip rotates about the central longitudinal axis during operation, allowing the teeth to sequentially engage and cut through the package wall. This dynamic rotation improves piercing capability by enabling the teeth to progressively work through the material, while the rotation is designed to be initiated and controlled in a user-friendly manner.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the leading tooth is configured for less aggressive cutting, then the package wall integrity is preserved, but the piercing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting action is segmented across multiple teeth with different configurations. The leading tooth performs a gentler initial engagement that preserves package wall integrity, while the multiple trailing teeth with more aggressive configurations complete the piercing action efficiently. This segmentation of the cutting process across different tooth elements resolves the contradiction between preserving integrity and maintaining piercing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The leading tooth performs a preliminary action by engaging the package wall first with less aggressive cutting, preparing the way for the trailing teeth to complete the piercing. This preliminary gentler engagement preserves integrity while the subsequent action of the trailing teeth ensures the piercing is completed at adequate speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible package for dispensing a liquid. The package 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.