Bag Connection Element for Contamination-Free Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for filling or emptying bags connected to containers often result in contamination due to the need for complex procedures and require skilled handling, especially when dealing with flexible bags, which can lead to environmental contamination.
Innovation Solution
A bag connection element with a passage opening and a connection section featuring a first and second fixing device, designed as a bayonet lock, along with locking devices to ensure secure and contamination-free handling, allowing for multiple filling or emptying processes without compromising safety or environmental integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transfer sleeve with O-rings and clamps is used to connect bags to containers, then contamination-free filling or emptying can be achieved, but the connection requires skilled handling and may lead to unwanted contamination with flexible bags
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connection element as an intermediary component between the bag and container. This connection element features a connection section that interfaces with the container and a holding receptacle that secures the bag section. The intermediary design simplifies the connection process by providing standardized interfaces (fixing devices) that eliminate the need for skilled manual handling of O-rings and clamps, while maintaining contamination-free operation through sealed connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into distinct functional components: the container connection element, the bag connection element, and the holding receptacle. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the fixing devices provide simple attachment mechanisms while the holding receptacle ensures secure bag positioning, collectively improving ease of operation without compromising reliability.
2Reliability
If a tubular film storage container with axial sealing ring and annular inflatable ring receptacle is used, then contamination-free emptying or filling can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and requires many complex work steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential sealing and connection functions from the complex tubular film storage container system and concentrates them into a simplified connection element. The connection element provides sealing through its design without requiring multiple separate components like axial sealing rings, annular inflatable ring receptacles, and counter rings. This extraction reduces device complexity while maintaining the contamination-free operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions previously distributed across numerous components (sealing, fixing, holding, guiding) are merged into the integrated connection element design. The connection section combines sealing surfaces and fixing devices, while the holding receptacle integrates bag positioning and securing functions, thereby reducing the total number of components and work steps required.
3Ease of operation
If O-rings are used to hold the bag on the connection area, then the connection can be made, but it requires certain skill on the user part and can lead to unwanted contamination of the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element serves as an intermediary that replaces direct O-ring contact with the bag. The holding receptacle with fixing devices provides a controlled interface that secures the bag section without requiring user skill for proper O-ring installation. The sealing section of the connection element maintains contamination prevention through its designed sealing surfaces, eliminating the reliability issues associated with user-dependent O-ring application.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 7~8A
AI summary
The invention relates to a bag connection element (21) for connecting a bag to a container for contamination-free filling or emptying of the bag, with a through-opening (22) for the material to be filled or emptied, with a connection section (26) comprising a first securing device (28), with a connecting section (31) comprising a second securing device (33), wherein the second securing device (33) is designed to be complementary to the first securing device (28), and with a retaining receptacle (34) for receiving a bag section of the bag, which is held in the retaining receptacle (34). The invention further relates to a method for connecting a bag to a container for contamination-free filling or emptying of the bag using at least one such bag connection element (21).