One-Piece Closure Device for Counter-Pressure Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure devices for liquid bags are not suitable for counter-pressure filling, particularly for carbonated drinks, due to their structural limitations, which complicates sterilization, production, and labor-intensive processes, and are not stable under high pressures.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece closure device with two externally accessible openings aligned parallel to a flat flange edge, featuring separate valve elements for controlled filling and removal, allowing for efficient counter-pressure filling and high stability, including a plunger with a spring for reliable sealing and a second valve element made of elastic plastic for cost-effective and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-part closure device is used, then the liquid pouch can be sealed and opened, but sterilizing the closure device becomes complex and manufacturing becomes more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the base body and closure plug into a single-integral closure device. The base body includes an integrally formed portal structure with valve sections, eliminating the need for separate closure components. This integration simplifies the overall structure, reduces manufacturing steps, and maintains reliable sealing capability through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-integral closure device performs multiple functions: sealing the liquid pouch, providing sterilization capability, enabling controlled filling through portals, and allowing dispensing. The base body with integrated valve sections and portals serves as both the closure mechanism and the filling/dispensing interface, reducing the need for additional components.
2Reliability
If a two-part closure device is used, then the pouch can be closed after filling, but manufacturing becomes more complex and labor-intensive joining is required
Solution Approach 1:
The base body and closure plug are manufactured as a single integral component, eliminating the joining step entirely. The injection molding process creates a unified structure where the portal structure, valve sections, and sealing elements are all part of one piece, significantly simplifying manufacturing and reducing labor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure device is pre-assembled and pre-sterilized as a single unit before being attached to the liquid pouch. The integral design allows the entire closure mechanism to be manufactured and prepared in advance, eliminating on-site assembly steps and reducing labor intensity during the filling process.
3Productivity
If existing closure devices are used, then the pouch can be filled and emptied, but they are not stable under high pressures required for counter-pressure filling
Solution Approach 1:
The valve elements utilize spring mechanisms that provide resilient, curved motion to maintain sealing contact under varying pressure conditions. The spring-loaded design allows the valve elements to flex and adapt to pressure changes, maintaining stable sealing during counter-pressure filling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure device incorporates pressure-responsive valve elements that automatically adjust their sealing force based on the internal pressure of the liquid pouch. During counter-pressure filling, the valve elements maintain adequate sealing force despite pressure fluctuations, ensuring stability throughout the filling process.
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
Enables efficient automated counter-pressure filling of carbonated liquids, ensuring stability under high pressures and cost-effective manufacturability, while simplifying the filling process and reducing material complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (46) which exerts a closing force on the valve element (44)
Implementation Method 2
the valve body (222) is forced by the pressure element (221) to the valve seat section (223)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a closure device (10) for closing a liquid bag, comprising: a one-piece formed base body (12) comprising a flat flange edge (14) for connecting the base body to the liquid bag and a portal structure (16) with a main section (18), a first valve section (20) and a second valve section (22), wherein the first valve section has an externally accessible first opening (24) for introducing and removing a fluid and the second valve section has an externally accessible second opening (26) for introducing and removing a fluid;a first valve element (28) arranged within the first valve section for reversibly closing the first opening, and a second valve element (44) arranged within the second valve section for reversibly closing the second opening, wherein the first opening and the second opening are aligned parallel to the flange edge. The invention further relates to a liquid container with a liquid bag and a closure device (10).