Bag-in-Box Valve Assembly for Compact Liquid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to reduce the amount of plastic used in liquid storage and transportation while maintaining convenient access to liquids, as existing rigid containers require significant material for stacking and shipping, and do not efficiently minimize size during transport.
Innovation Solution
A pull/push valve assembly is integrated into a bag-in-box system, comprising a slide, sleeve, and cap that can be moved between closed and dispensing positions, using an anti-tamper strap to control fluid flow, allowing for compact storage and transportation, and easy dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid containers are used for liquid storage and transportation, then structural strength and stacking stability are improved, but plastic usage and shipping volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible plastic bag instead of a rigid container to hold the liquid product. The bag can be collapsed as liquid is dispensed, significantly reducing the volume occupied during transportation and storage. This flexible structure maintains sufficient strength to contain and dispense the liquid while using far less plastic material compared to rigid container alternatives.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly components (slide, sleeve, cap) are designed to nest within each other when not in use. The slide fits inside the sleeve, and the sleeve fits inside the cap, creating a compact configuration that minimizes the overall size of the dispensing mechanism and reduces the space required during shipping.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid containers are used for liquid storage, then stacking stability is improved, but shipping volume and transportation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bag can be collapsed to a small fraction of its full volume as liquid is dispensed, dramatically reducing the shipping volume. When full, the bag maintains its shape and stability within the box, providing adequate stacking stability while occupying minimal space during transport after use.
3Ease of operation
If a valve assembly is integrated into the bag-in-box system, then convenient liquid access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is divided into separate functional components: a slide with dispensing hole, a sleeve with sealing surface, and a cap with flange. These segmented parts can be manufactured independently and assembled in a straightforward sequence, simplifying production and maintenance while providing convenient liquid access through the dispensing hole.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly incorporates movable parts including the slide that can be moved between closed and open positions, and the flexible bag that expands and contracts as liquid is dispensed. This dynamic design allows for convenient liquid access while maintaining a relatively simple structure that does not require complex mechanisms.
4Volume of stationary object
If the container is designed to be collapsed during transport, then shipping volume is reduced, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bag is designed with sufficient material strength and structural reinforcement at critical points to maintain integrity during both collapsed and expanded states. The bag can be collapsed to minimal volume for shipping while maintaining enough strength to contain the liquid product and withstand handling during transport and dispensing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly for use with a spout. The assembly includes a slide that includes a side wall, an end wall, a slide flange, and an anti-tamper strap. The side wall includes a dispensing hole. The assembly further includes a sleeve and a cap that includes an inlet, an outlet, and a cap flange. The cap flange includes a strap cavity. The cap is configured to be slidably inserted into a spout, the sleeve is configured to be slidably inserted into the cap, the slide is configured to be slidably inserted into the sleeve, and the anti-tamper strap is configured to be inserted into the strap cavity.