Closure Connector Assembly for Ultrapure Liquid Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage and dispensing systems for ultrapure liquids face contamination risks due to the need for separate caps and connectors, which are expensive and require extensive cleaning, and may not be completely sterile, leading to potential contamination of the contents during use.

Innovation Solution

A closure/connector assembly that functions as both a cap for storage and shipping and a connector for dispensing, featuring a cap seat adaptor with a pressurizing gas inlet fitting, allowing for secure transport and dispensing while minimizing exposure to contaminants, and can be used once and then disposed of.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate caps and connectors are used for storage and dispensing, then the system can provide dedicated sealing and dispensing functions, but the complexity of the system increases and contamination risk rises due to multiple components requiring cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepurity of ultrapure liquidsVSAvoidnumber of components (separate cap and connector)

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cap and connector into a single integrated closure/connector assembly that performs both sealing and dispensing functions. This eliminates the need for separate components, reducing the number of parts that require cleaning and assembly, thereby lowering contamination risk while maintaining dedicated functions for storage and dispensing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure/connector assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a sealing cap for storage and a connector for dispensing. This multi-functional design reduces system complexity by eliminating redundant components while ensuring reliable performance for both storage and dispensing operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If caps and connectors are made for repeated use, then cost efficiency improves, but extensive washing and sterilizing are required which is time-consuming and may still introduce contaminants

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost efficiency of reusable componentsVSAvoidtime for washing and sterilizing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The closure/connector assembly is designed as a disposable component that can be used once and then discarded. This eliminates the need for repeated washing and sterilizing processes, saving time and ensuring no contaminants are introduced from incomplete cleaning, while the low cost of the disposable component maintains cost efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If the system is exposed to outside environment during cap removal and connector attachment, then dispensing operation becomes possible, but contaminants may be introduced into the system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to dispense contentsVSAvoidcontaminants introduced during operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the cap and connector into a single integrated assembly, the patent eliminates the separate steps of cap removal and connector attachment that expose the system to contaminants. The integrated design allows the dispensing operation to proceed without breaking the sealed environment, maintaining purity while enabling dispensing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 closure/connector assembly effectively reduces contamination risks and costs by eliminating the need for separate caps and connectors, ensuring the purity and safety of ultrapure liquids during storage, shipping, and dispensing, while also being cost-effective and easy to use.

Implementation Method 1

A pressurizing gas inlet fitting adapted for connection to a pressure source is also included as a part of the closure/connector. The closure/connector assembly, in conjunction with the dispense assembly, is configured for the secure transport and dispense of the material to be dispensed.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS8733598B2Closure/connector for liner-based dispense containers

Publication Date: 2014.05.27 ADVANCED TECH MATERIALS INC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous closure/connector assemblies for use with a dispense assembly. The closure/connector includes a closure body as well as a cap seat adaptor for operable connection to the closure body. The cap seat adapter has a proximal end and a distal end and is configured for fluid communication with a source of material to be dispensed. The closure/connector also has a cap for connection to the distal end of the cap seat adaptor. A pressurizing gas inlet fitting adapted for connection to a pressure source is also included as a part of the closure/connector. The closure/connector assembly, in conjunction with the dispense assembly, is configured for the secure transport and dispense of the material to be dispensed.