Co-Extruded Polymer Bladder for Aseptic Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for storing sterile products, such as food or medicinal items, require multiple assembly steps, which are time-consuming and expensive, and can lead to contamination due to separate manufacturing of parts like flexible bladders and outer bodies.
Innovation Solution
A device with a co-extruded body and flexible inner bladder, where different polymers are used for the outer body, inner bladder, and bonding layer, allowing for a hermetically sealable chamber that can be molded as a single unit, including a one-way valve and pump assembly for aseptic filling and dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple parts (bladder and outer body) are manufactured separately and assembled together, then the device can be assembled with proper sealing, but the manufacturing process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies co-extrusion technology to merge the manufacturing of the outer body and inner bladder into a single continuous process. The extrusion apparatus simultaneously forms both components in one operation, eliminating separate manufacturing and assembly steps while maintaining proper sealing through integrated design features.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes composite material structures where different polymers are extruded in specific layers. The outer body and inner bladder are formed as composite structures with bonding layers between them, allowing single-unit manufacturing while maintaining the sealing integrity that would otherwise require separate assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple parts are manufactured separately, then each part can be optimized independently, but the risk of contamination increases during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the manufacturing of multiple components into a single co-extrusion process, the patent eliminates the assembly step that would otherwise expose components to contamination. The entire structure is formed in a controlled extrusion environment, maintaining sterility while still allowing different polymer compositions to be optimized for their specific functions.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate assembly steps are used, then quality control can be applied to each component, but the overall manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple manufacturing operations into a single co-extrusion process, reducing the number of steps and potential failure points. This integrated approach simplifies the overall manufacturing process while maintaining quality control through the extrusion parameters and material selection, eliminating the need for complex assembly operations.
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
This approach simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces costs, and maintains the sterility of the storage chamber by integrating the components into a single, co-extruded unit, preventing contamination and ensuring the chamber remains sealed during storage and use.
Implementation Method 1
A chamber of the device is hermetically sealable with respect to ambient atmosphere
Implementation Method 2
The one-way valve defines a normally closed position that hermetically seals the chamber with respect to the ambient atmosphere, and an open position that allows substance to flow out of the chamber
Implementation Method 3
a pump assembly for aseptic filling and dispensing
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprises a first portion including a first polymer, and a second portion that is relatively flexible in comparison to the first portion and includes a second polymer that is substantially not bondable to the first polymer. A chamber of the device is hermetically sealable with respect to ambient atmosphere and is defined by (i) an interior of the second portion, and/or (ii) a space formed between the first and second portions. A third portion of the device includes a third polymer that is bondable to the first and second polymers and fixedly secures the first and second portions to each other.