Container Assembly Outlet Pipe Seal Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling of O-rings during clamping and unclamping of the outlet pipe sections in existing container assemblies for flowable materials is cumbersome and inconvenient, complicating cleaning and replacement processes.
Innovation Solution
A container assembly with a reusable outer supporting container and a disposable inner plastic liner, featuring an outlet pipe with a first and second section where the second section has a valve and an annular recess, and the disposable liner's tubular outlet portion has an outer flange with an annular protrusion that fits into the recess, providing a secure and easy-to-use seal, and optionally using a vacuum fitting for easier installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an O-ring is used to seal between the first and second outlet pipe sections, then a reliable seal is achieved, but the handling becomes cumbersome and inconvenient during clamping and unclamping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the O-ring from the sealing system entirely. Instead of using a separate sealing element that requires careful handling, the sealing function is integrated directly into the outlet pipe structure through a groove and seal bead configuration, eliminating the problematic component while maintaining sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is merged with the outlet pipe structure itself. The seal bead is formed as an integrated feature of the outlet pipe, combining the structural and sealing functions into a single element, which eliminates the need for separate O-ring handling
2Ease of repair
If the outlet pipe is formed in two pieces with a clamp connection, then the valve section can be easily disconnected for cleaning and replacement, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet pipe is divided into two sections (first and second outlet pipe sections) that can be independently removed. This segmentation allows the valve-containing second section to be detached for cleaning or replacement while leaving the first section attached to the container, providing maintenance accessibility without requiring complete disassembly
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp connection serves multiple functions: it provides a secure mechanical connection between pipe sections, maintains sealing through the integrated seal bead, and enables easy disassembly for maintenance. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate components for each function
Data Source
AI summary
A container assembly for flowable materials, the container assembly comprising: a reusable outer supporting container; and a disposable inner plastic liner; wherein the reusable outer supporting container comprises an outlet pipe comprising a first outlet pipe section connected to the reusable outer supporting container and a second outlet pipe section releasably connectable to the first outlet pipe section, wherein the second outlet pipe section comprises a valve for selectively closing off the second outlet pipe section, and wherein at least one of the first outlet pipe section and the second outlet pipe section comprises an annular recess; and wherein the disposable inner plastic liner comprises a tubular outlet portion, wherein the tubular outlet portion comprises an outer flange configured to be captured between the first outlet pipe section and the second outlet pipe section, and further wherein the outer flange of the tubular outlet portion comprises an annular protrusion configured to be received in the annular recess when the outer flange is captured between the first outlet pipe section and the second outlet pipe section.