Deformable Bag Extraction via Two-Ring Cap Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices with deformable bags for dispensing fluid substances face challenges in easily extracting the bag from the container after dispensing, due to the bag being retained inside the container when the pump is removed, which complicates environmental disposal and reuse of the container.
Innovation Solution
A device where a deformable bag is formed within a rigid container using a preform that inflates to form a bag with air passages, allowing the bag to be securely connected to the pump and automatically extracted from the container when the pump is removed, utilizing a two-ring cap system to ensure the bag remains attached to the pump for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bag is retained inside the container when the pump is removed, then the bag remains securely contained, but the bag cannot be easily extracted for disposal and the container cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a locked state during dispensing to an unlocked state during removal. The resilient element (spring) automatically changes the coupling force direction based on pump movement: during normal operation it maintains secure connection, but when the pump is pulled outward it releases to allow bag extraction with the pump for disposal while leaving the container reusable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the bag-pump assembly from the container through the selective coupling mechanism. The bag remains attached to the pump via the resilient coupling during dispensing, but the coupling can be released to segment the system into two parts: the reusable container and the disposable bag-pump assembly for separate disposal.
2Ease of operation
If air passages are provided between the container and bag, then the bag can flatten during dispensing, but air may contaminate the fluid substance
Solution Approach 1:
The pump acts as an intermediary that controls all air-fluid interactions. Air enters through the pump housing and pump-bag interface, not directly through the bag material. The pump's internal check valves and sealed interface prevent atmospheric air from contaminating the fluid while still allowing the bag to collapse as fluid is dispensed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump housing creates a controlled environment between the bag and external atmosphere. By routing all air flow through the pump's sealed housing and controlled interfaces rather than directly exposing the bag to atmosphere, the system maintains an inert protective environment that prevents contamination while enabling bag collapse.
3Productivity
If the bag is made of elastically deformable material, then the bag can be squeezed by atmospheric pressure during dispensing, but the bag can be easily torn during insertion into the container
Solution Approach 1:
The bag is pre-formed with a rigid preform structure that provides mechanical strength during the vulnerable insertion phase. The preform maintains structural integrity while being inserted into the container, and only after proper positioning does the inflation process begin, transforming it into the deformable dispensing bag. This preliminary rigid structure prevents tearing during insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The bag's physical parameters are changed from rigid (preform state) to deformable (inflated state) at the appropriate moment. The preform provides structural strength during insertion, then thermal or mechanical energy transforms it into an elastically deformable bag suitable for atmospheric pressure squeezing during dispensing. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between needing strength during insertion and flexibility during dispensing.
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
Enables secure and automatic extraction of the deformable bag from the container along with the pump, facilitating optimal waste sorting and reuse of the container, while maintaining airtight conditions to prevent contamination of the fluid substance.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated preform (made of thermoplastic material and having an elongated hollow cylindrical body, open at one end where the preform presents a neck from which a flange radially projects) is inserted into a rigid container having a mouth from which a neck extends, on the free edge of which there rests the flange of the preform, which is heated and then inflated within the container
Implementation Method 2
which is heated and then inflated within the container, until a bag forms
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 5
Figure 6
AI summary
A device for containing fluid substances under airtight conditions and dispensing them, comprising a rigid container (5) in which a bag (9) made of thermoplastic material is inserted having a flange (3,3A) and a hole for housing the body of a pump (P), the body of the pump (P) being pressed to form a seal on said flange (3,3A) of the bag (9) by a first ring cap (N), a second ring cap (G) being screwed onto the container neck (6) and secured to the bag (9), the first ring cap (N) being locked to the second ring cap (G), engagement means (13,14) being provided between said first and second ring cap (N,G) to make said first and second ring cap (N,G) torsionally rigid with each other such that a rotation imposed on the first ring cap (N) of the pump (P) results in a corresponding rotation of the second ring cap (G), hence facilitating extraction of the bag (9) from the container (5) consequent on the removal of the pump (P) from the container (5).