Self-Sealing Bag in Box Cap Assembly with Integrated Retaining Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-sealing bag in box cap assemblies require multiple separate components, increasing costs and susceptibility to connection failures, which complicates the dispensing of flowable materials.
Innovation Solution
A cap assembly comprising a body with a spout engagement channel, a sealing membrane with a pierceable surface, and a retaining ring that maintains the membrane in place, reducing the need for separate components and enhancing the sealing mechanism with an inwardly sloped inner wall structure to protect the membrane from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate components are used in the cap assembly, then the system can achieve functional requirements, but the cost increases and susceptibility to connection failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the cap body, sealing membrane, and retaining ring into a unified cap assembly structure. The cap body (40) and retaining ring (44) are molded as a single piece, eliminating separate connection points and reducing the number of components that could fail. This merging of components directly addresses the contradiction by reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability through integrated design.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used in the cap assembly, then the system can achieve functional requirements, but the cost of use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap body and retaining ring are molded as a single integrated component, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This integration lowers manufacturing costs and simplifies supply chain management while maintaining all necessary functions through the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cap assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: the cap body provides structural support and spout engagement, the sealing membrane provides sealing, and the retaining ring maintains membrane position. By combining these functions into a single assembled unit rather than multiple separate components, the system reduces overall cost while achieving all functional requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the sealing membrane is exposed without protection, then access to the opening is allowed for dispensing, but the membrane is susceptible to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring's inner wall structure extends radially inward beyond the membrane engaging flange to create a protective barrier before the membrane can be damaged. This pre-positioned structural element cushions and protects the membrane from external forces during normal operation, allowing the membrane to remain exposed and functional while preventing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner wall structure of the retaining ring acts as an intermediary protective element between external forces and the sealing membrane. It provides a physical barrier that absorbs or redirects forces that might otherwise damage the membrane, while still allowing the membrane to perform its sealing function when needed.
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 solution reduces the complexity and cost of the system by integrating key components, enhancing the sealing efficiency and protecting the membrane from damage during use, thereby improving the reliability of the self-sealing bag in box cap assembly.
Implementation Method 1
Extension of the tab into the recessed circumferential channel of the body releasably maintains said overlying engagement
Implementation Method 2
The retaining ring is positioned with the sealing membrane engagement surface in overlying engagement with the sealing membrane
Implementation Method 3
The inner wall structure of the retaining ring extends radially inward beyond the membrane engaging flange of the sealing membrane, to in turn, protect the membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A cap assembly comprising a body, a sealing membrane and a retaining ring. An opening is provided through the body and includes a recessed circumferential channel and a membrane engaging flange positioned proximate the recessed circumferential channel. The sealing membrane covers the opening and includes a body engaging flange and a pierceable surface. The retaining ring is positioned with the sealing membrane engagement surface in overlying engagement with the sealing membrane. Extension of the tab into the recessed circumferential channel of the body releasably maintains the overlying engagement and biases the retaining ring against the membrane. The inner wall structure of the retaining ring extends radially inward beyond the membrane engaging flange of the sealing membrane, to, in turn, protect the membrane.