Bag Spout Connector Assembly for Low-Force Leak-Proof Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connectors for 'Bag-In-Box' flexible liquid packaging face challenges such as difficulty in engaging threaded attachments, high force requirements, risk of damage to spouts and packaging, and issues with alignment and foreign material interference, limiting the ability to switch between beverage varieties and maintain hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with an elongated outer housing, an inner sleeve member, and a slider assembly that allows for secure engagement with the spout, featuring a spout engagement collar, biasing means to control fluid flow, and actuation mechanisms like levers and fulcrums to facilitate easy connection and prevent air ingress, while being adaptable to various spout geometries and tolerant of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded connector is used to engage with the spout, then a secure connection can be achieved, but the engagement becomes difficult and requires high force
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into an outer housing and an inner sleeve member that can move independently. The inner sleeve member engages the spout separately from the outer housing, allowing the connection process to be broken into manageable steps that reduce engagement difficulty while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout engagement collar on the inner sleeve member performs preliminary alignment and engagement with the spout before the final sealing connection is made. This preliminary action positions the components correctly, making the subsequent secure connection easier to achieve without requiring excessive force.
2Reliability
If high force is applied to engage the connector with the spout, then a secure connection is achieved, but damage to the spout and packaging increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the connection function into two stages - initial engagement by the inner sleeve member and final sealing by the outer housing - the required force is distributed and reduced at each stage, preventing damage to the spout and flexible packaging while achieving a secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner sleeve member acts as an intermediary between the user's engagement action and the final sealed connection. It first engages the spout with minimal force, then gradually brings the outer housing into sealing contact, mediating the force application to prevent damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional connectors are used, then connection to the spout is possible, but alignment difficulties and interference from foreign material occur
Solution Approach 1:
The inner sleeve member is designed with a universal spout engagement collar that can accommodate various spout geometries and configurations. This multi-functional design allows the connector to work with different spout types while maintaining easy alignment through the collar's adaptable engagement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout engagement collar serves as an intermediary element that interfaces with the spout first, establishing alignment and positioning before the main connector body engages. This intermediary action eliminates alignment difficulties by pre-positioning the connection components relative to each other.
4Productivity
If the connector allows easy switching between beverage varieties, then operational efficiency improves, but ensuring leak-proof connections becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The connector enables rapid switching by allowing the inner sleeve member to be quickly disengaged from the spout and re-engaged with a new spout. The segmented design separates the quick-release engagement function from the sealing function, allowing fast variety switching while maintaining leak-proof connections through the outer housing's sealing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner sleeve member is designed to be dynamically movable within the outer housing, allowing it to be easily inserted and removed for quick variety switching. This dynamic design enables rapid connection changes while the outer housing maintains a stable, leak-proof seal when engaged.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the invention described herein relate to a removable connector assembly, and methods of use and manufacture thereof. More particularly, certain embodiments relate to apparatus and methods to provide a connection to a spout disposed upon a container, such as upon a bag holding fluid. Embodiments of connector assemblies comprise an elongated outer housing, an inner housing, and a slider assembly for moving the outer surface of the sleeve member over the inner surface of the outer housing wall in a lengthwise motion to position the spout connector upon the spout and secure the spout connector in said position.