Bag-in-Container Neck Radial Opening Pressure Fluid Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag-in-container (BIC) systems for dispensing beverages lack a straightforward method for connecting a tapping assembly to the container, particularly in integrating a pressure fluid feed system effectively, which complicates the dispensing process and may lead to issues like debris entering the container during welding.
Innovation Solution
A BIC container design with a neck region featuring radial openings for pressure fluid introduction, coupled with preforms that allow for blow molding and subsequent spin welding, ensuring an airtight connection while preventing debris entry through labyrinth sections, and a method for forming the container using superimposed preforms with a closure ring for sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pressure fluid feed system is integrated into the BIC container, then beverage dispensing functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure fluid feed system is merged with the container structure by integrating the opening directly into the neck region of the outer preform. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate coupling devices and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining beverage dispensing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The neck region of the outer preform serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the pressure fluid opening for gas introduction, and facilitates connection to the tapping assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device.
2Productivity
If spin welding is used to connect preforms, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but debris may enter the container during welding
Solution Approach 1:
A closure ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the inner and outer preforms. This ring serves as a protective barrier during the spin welding process, preventing debris from entering the container while allowing the welding operation to proceed efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure ring is positioned and secured on the preforms before the spin welding operation begins. This preliminary protective measure ensures that any debris generated during welding cannot contaminate the container interior, addressing the contamination risk before it occurs.
3Ease of operation
If radial openings are provided in the neck region, then pressure fluid introduction is facilitated, but airtight sealing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The closure ring acts as a mediator that manages the sealing challenge around the radial opening. It provides a structured interface that maintains airtight sealing while accommodating the opening for pressure fluid introduction, reconciling the contradiction between ease of operation and sealing reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Container of a bag-in-container type, wherein a neck region of the container is provided with at least one opening extending substantially radially there through, into a space between the outer container and an inner container adjacent thereto, wherein: the neck region is provided with coupling elements, preferably at opposite sides of said at least one opening, seen in circumferential direction, for coupling of a connecting device to the container for introducing a pressure fluid through said at least one opening into a space between the inner and outer container; and/or the at least one opening is provided with or forming part of a first coupler for coupling a pressure fluid feed line to said opening, for pressurising a space between the inner and outer container.