Dual-Opening Bladder Port Closure with Nested Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid bladder closures lack efficient dual-opening mechanisms that provide secure sealing and easy access for filling and cleaning, while also being user-friendly and leak-proof.
Innovation Solution
A dual-opening cap system comprising a base with a fill port, a first cap component that can be detachably attached to the base, and a second cap component that can pivot or rotate to open and close the port, featuring a locking mechanism to prevent accidental opening and a handle for easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single large opening is provided in the bladder wall for filling, then filling capacity is improved, but cleaning access and sealing reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into multiple independent cap components (first cap component and second cap component) that can be separately attached and sealed to the base. This segmentation allows the large opening to be effectively divided into multiple sealed access points, maintaining filling capacity while improving sealing reliability through multiple sealing interfaces.
2Device complexity
If a simple cap closure is used for the port, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing reliability and leak-proof performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system employs a nested structure where the second cap component is attachable to the first cap component, creating multiple layers of sealing. The first cap component seals against the base, and the second cap component seals against the first cap component, providing redundant sealing that enhances leak-proof performance without requiring an overly complex single-component design.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental opening, then sealing reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be automatically engaged when the cap components are properly assembled and sealed. The interlocking features between the first and second cap components, and between the caps and the base, create automatic locking that maintains sealing reliability while requiring minimal user intervention to operate.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are fluid bladders that include a port and a port closure, a handle, and/or other components. Some disclosed closures can be configured to provide at least two different sized openings for accessing the reservoir, as well as providing a sealing and/or locking mechanism to close the port and seal the port. Exemplary closures comprising a base defining a fill port and mounted to a wall of the bladder, a first cap component that is attached to the base, and a second cap component (e.g., a lid) that is attachable and detachable (via threaded engagement, a pivoting snap fit, or otherwise) to the first cap component. The base can be fixed (e.g., welded) to the bladder to cover the bladder wall opening and provide a second, rigid opening, or port. The first cap component is coupled to the base and can overlie the port or be positioned around the port (optionally providing a third, smaller opening), and the second cap component can cover the first cap component to completely seal off the port and prevent fluid passage in or out of the bladder. The first cap component can include a lid release and locking mechanism.