Flexible Bag Fixing Ring for Reversible Leaktight Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leaktight containers with flexible walls face issues of non-optimal tightness, material alteration during welding, inability to be dismantled for recycling, and material restrictions due to welding, which compromises mechanical strength and recyclability.
Innovation Solution
A leaktight container with a flexible wall using a fixing ring composed of two concentric annular parts, allowing reversible connection to a sterile enclosure without welding, ensuring improved mechanical strength and recyclability, with a bacteriostatic material and a compression zone for enhanced tightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welding is used to join the flexible film to the flange, then the container can be assembled, but the tightness is not optimal and leakage points may occur
Solution Approach 1:
A fixing ring made of rigid material is introduced as an intermediary component between the flexible film and the flange. The fixing ring includes a rigid portion that attaches to the flange and a flexible portion that seals against the film, mediating the connection and ensuring optimal tightness without direct welding between incompatible materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing ring is constructed as a composite structure combining rigid material (for structural support and flange attachment) and flexible material (for sealing against the film). This composite approach allows each material to perform its optimal function, achieving both structural integrity and leak-free sealing.
2Ease of manufacture
If welding is used to join the flexible film to the flange, then the container can be assembled, but the film material undergoes alteration and creates fragility points
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into distinct functional components: the fixing ring (with rigid and flexible portions) separates the welding operation from the flexible film. The rigid portion welds to the flange while the flexible portion gently seals against the film without causing thermal or mechanical alteration, preserving the film's mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible portion of the fixing ring acts as an intermediary between the rigid flange assembly and the flexible film, preventing direct harmful interaction. It transmits the connection force while protecting the film from welding-induced fragility points.
3Ease of manufacture
If welding is used to join the flexible film to the flange, then the container can be assembled, but the joining device cannot be dismantled and recycled
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a permanent welded joint to a dynamic, reversible assembly. The fixing ring can be detached from the flange and reattached, enabling dismantling for recycling or reuse. The bayonet-type connection allows quick assembly and disassembly while maintaining sealing integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing ring is designed to be recoverable and reusable. After use, it can be detached from the flange and the flexible film, cleaned, and reused for subsequent containers, reducing waste and enabling recycling of valuable components.
4Ease of manufacture
If welding is used to join the flexible film to the flange, then the container can be assembled, but the materials used are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing ring serves as a universal adapter that can interface with different flange materials and flexible film types. The rigid portion can be manufactured in various materials to match different flanges, while the flexible portion can be made from materials compatible with different film types, greatly expanding material selection versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of the fixing ring (rigid + flexible portions) allows independent material selection for each component. The rigid portion can be made from materials suitable for welding to the flange, while the flexible portion can be made from materials compatible with the flexible film, removing material restrictions imposed by direct welding requirements.
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 leaktight and recyclable container with improved mechanical strength and optimal tightness, ensuring quick assembly and preventing contamination, while maintaining sterile communication.
Implementation Method 1
the external annular part being dimensioned so as to be force-fitted around the internal annular part and to exert a radial stress thereon
Implementation Method 2
a compression zone for enhanced tightness
Implementation Method 3
the external annular part being dimensioned so as to be force-fitted around the internal annular part
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a leaktight container (1) having a flexible wall comprising a bag (2) formed from a flexible film arranged so as to define a leaktight interior volume and a through-opening, and means for fixing the bag (2) to a connecting device (4) for connecting the container (1) in a leaktight manner to a sterile enclosure equipped with a complementary connecting device (4), said fixing means comprising a fixing ring (6) arranged so as to allow the connecting device (4) to be fixed reversibly to the bag (2), said ring being made up of two concentric annular parts fitted one in the other, the external annular part being dimensioned so as to be force-fitted around the internal annular part and to exert a radial stress thereon, the portion of film delimiting the through-opening being gripped between the two annular parts.