Bag-In-Box Connector With Segmented Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bag-in-box connector systems are inadequate for thicker liquids and those with particulates, as they experience contamination issues and are difficult to clean, especially when used with less acidic beverages.
Innovation Solution
A cleanable connector system featuring a push-and-lock connection, a one-way elastomeric membrane bag-side valve, and a line-side coupling with a streamlined flow path and enclosed components to prevent contamination and facilitate efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bag-side valves and line-side couplings are used, then the system is simple and easy to manufacture, but contamination occurs with thicker liquids and particulate-containing beverages
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is divided into separate bag-side valve and line-side coupling components, each with dedicated sealing and actuation mechanisms. This segmentation allows independent optimization of contamination prevention in the bag-side valve while maintaining simplicity in the line-side coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
A sterile barrier or membrane is introduced as an intermediary between the bag contents and the external environment. This barrier prevents direct contact between particulate-containing liquids and the connector components, eliminating contamination while adding minimal complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional connectors are used, then the device complexity is low, but cleaning becomes difficult with standard regimes
Solution Approach 1:
The valve components and sealing elements are designed to be removable or detachable from the main connector body. This extraction allows complete removal of parts that contact the liquid, enabling thorough cleaning of all surfaces with standard cleaning regimes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing for easy assembly, the system is designed for easy disassembly and cleaning. The connector components are inverted in their functional arrangement to prioritize cleanability, with all product-contact surfaces being accessible to cleaning solutions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If self-sealing valves are used for low viscosity beverages, then the system works well for soft drinks, but it fails with thicker liquids and particulate-containing juices
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism parameters are changed to accommodate different liquid viscosities and particulate loads. The actuation force, sealing pressure, and opening dynamics are adjusted to work with both low-viscosity soft drinks and high-viscosity pulpy juices without compromising contamination resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector system is designed with universal components that can handle multiple liquid types. The bag-side valve and line-side coupling are engineered to function reliably across a range of liquid properties, from carbonated soft drinks to thick, particulate-containing juices, while maintaining contamination prevention.
4Ease of operation
If quick-disconnect couplings are used, then connection is easy and fast, but product mixing between bag and line occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing membrane is pre-positioned and pre-sealed in the bag-side valve before connection occurs. This preliminary sealing action ensures that when the quick-disconnect coupling is engaged, product mixing is prevented from the outset, maintaining both connection speed and product separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates preliminary anti-contamination measures through the sterile barrier and sealed membrane configuration. These preventive measures are built into the connector design before use, automatically preventing product mixing during quick connection and disconnection operations.
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 system reduces contamination risk, improves flow efficiency, and simplifies cleaning, making it suitable for use with fluids containing particulates and higher pH levels.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomeric membrane opens when vacuum is applied to the vacuum line
Implementation Method 2
a resilient member (160) in communication with the plunger, wherein the resilient member urges the plunger towards the opening in the cylindrical member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A system and method for connecting a fluid within a product container such as a bag to a product dispenser. The system and method, more particularly, discloses a cleanable connector system for a Bag-In-Box ("BIB") type package having a valve arrangement that prevents the mixing of product within the bag and in the line. Various embodiments provide a connector system including a valve arrangement having a line-side valve and a bag-side valve, wherein the valve arrangement allows connection to a bag and to a line-side connector while preventing the product within the bag and in the line from mixing. The system and method improves the shelf life of products contained within the bag and reduces the risk of contamination of the bag, the line, and the product contained within the bag by minimizing the risk of introducing biological and other foreign material into the system when connecting the bag and the line.