Cam-Sealed Reservoir Cap Without Secondary Gaskets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing receptacle caps fail to provide a reliable, leak-proof seal without additional materials, and often hinder easy cleaning and filling processes, particularly in humidifier reservoirs where moisture addition is necessary to prevent airway dryness in ventilator systems.
Innovation Solution
A container cap design featuring an annular seal wall that extends axially from the top wall and engages radially inward with the receptacle's annular wall, utilizing cam structures for secure sealing without secondary gaskets, and incorporating a port configuration for fluid communication, allowing for easy cleaning and filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cap designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the seal reliability is insufficient and requires additional gasket materials
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged into the cap structure itself through the annular seal wall that extends axially from the cover portion. This eliminates the need for separate gasket materials while providing reliable sealing between the cap and receptacle.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap structure incorporates an annular seal wall with specific geometric parameters (axial extension, radial positioning) that enable effective sealing. The cam structure also uses parameter changes in its engagement geometry to transform rotational motion into axial sealing force.
2Ease of operation
If traditional cap designs are used, then manufacturing is simple, but cleaning and filling processes are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is designed with distinct functional segments: a cover portion for closure, an annular seal wall for sealing, and a cam structure for engagement. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining ease of cleaning and filling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam structure provides dynamic engagement that automatically adjusts during the closing process. The cam surfaces transform rotational motion into axial movement, ensuring proper sealing without requiring complex manual adjustment or additional components.
3Reliability
If additional gasket materials are used for sealing, then seal reliability improves, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged into the cap structure itself through the annular seal wall that extends axially from the cover portion. This eliminates the need for separate gasket materials while providing reliable sealing between the cap and receptacle.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap structure performs its own sealing function through the integrated annular seal wall and cam structure. The design is self-sufficient and does not require additional gasket materials or complex assembly of multiple sealing components.
Data Source
AI summary
A container cap for providing a seal with an annular wall of a receptacle is disclosed. The cap includes a top wall, an annular seal wall, and cam structure. The annular seal wall extends axially from the cover portion. The annular seal wall is spaced radially inward of the cam structure. An end portion of the annular seal wall is configured to form a seal with the annular wall of the receptacle when the end portion is forced into engagement with annular wall of the receptacle.