Bag-in-box Concentrate Holder with Ramp and Tube Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid dispensing systems using bag-in-box assemblies, there is a need to fully utilize the content of the bag, prevent kinking of the drainage tube for uninterrupted supply, ensure the tube is at a predetermined location for flow monitoring, and facilitate stacking and handling of multiple boxes.
Innovation Solution
A housing with a drainage tube locking structure, a transparent and reusable housing with a curved ramp to immobilize the package, and a magnet for signaling the presence of the housing to the machine, ensuring the tube is correctly positioned and preventing kinking while allowing for efficient monitoring and stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drainage tube is left free inside the box, then the bag content can be easily evacuated, but the tube may kink or move to unpredictable locations preventing flow monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-positions the drainage tube at a predetermined location within the box using a positioning structure (such as a groove or channel) that guides the tube to the correct position before the bag is fully evacuated. This preliminary positioning ensures the tube remains in a location suitable for flow monitoring while still allowing complete bag evacuation.
2Reliability
If the drainage tube is rigidly fixed in position, then flow monitoring is ensured, but the tube may kink under pressure or during bag evacuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic positioning mechanism where the drainage tube can move or flex within a controlled range. The tube is positioned in a groove or channel that allows it to adapt its position slightly during bag evacuation to prevent kinking, while still maintaining its predetermined location for flow monitoring purposes.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple boxes are stacked without specific features, then storage is simple, but stacking stability and handling efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates asymmetric stacking features on the box structure, such as protrusions on one side and corresponding recesses on the opposite side, or uneven stacking surfaces that create interlocking patterns. These asymmetric features enhance stacking stability and facilitate efficient handling while maintaining relative box simplicity.
4Strength
If the box is made opaque for durability, then structural integrity is improved, but the ability to monitor liquid levels and tube position visually is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local transparency to specific areas of the box housing, such as the walls adjacent to the drainage tube or the bottom portion where liquid level monitoring is needed. The rest of the housing maintains its opaque, durable material construction. This localized transparency provides visual monitoring capability where needed while preserving overall structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A bag-in-box type of assembly is disclosed where numerous features are provided. One of the features helps to lock the drainage tube of the bag in a predetermined position at the bottom of the box. Another feature is directed to a ramp inside the box that aid drainage of the bag's content, e.g., concentrate for a postmix beverage. Yet a further feature is directed to structures that prevent slippage of the bag when placed on the ramp.