Container Sealing Device for Simultaneous Multi-Container Filling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for filling multiple fluid-inflatable containers, such as balloons, are inefficient and impractical, especially when introducing additives, as they often require mixing the fluid with the additive before filling and may not allow for simultaneous filling of multiple containers.

Innovation Solution

A device that connects to a fluid source, featuring a flow path and sealing elements with valves within each container to enable simultaneous filling of multiple containers, allowing for automatic sealing and the introduction of additives during the filling process, using conduits and retaining members to manage container expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple containers are filled simultaneously using existing products, then filling efficiency is improved, but the products require direct connection to a fluid source which makes it impracticable to pour a mixture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling efficiencyVSAvoidflexibility in fluid introduction

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus divides the filling system into multiple independent container stations, each with its own conduit and sealing element. This segmentation allows the fluid source connection to be separated from the container filling process, enabling the use of a pouring spout for introducing fluid mixtures while maintaining simultaneous filling capability across multiple containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A pouring spout acts as an intermediary device between the fluid source and the containers. This intermediary allows the fluid mixture to be introduced into the apparatus in a flexible manner (by pouring) while still enabling controlled distribution to multiple containers simultaneously through the internal conduit system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If additives are introduced to the fluid before filling, then the fluid mixture can be prepared in advance, but existing methods require mixing before filling which is inefficient for multiple containers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid preparation flexibilityVSAvoidfilling speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus allows the fluid mixture with additives to be prepared in advance and stored in a reservoir. The pre-prepared mixture is then introduced through the pouring spout and automatically distributed to multiple containers simultaneously, combining the benefit of advance preparation with efficient simultaneous filling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the fluid preparation function (mixing additive with fluid) and the multi-container filling function into a single integrated apparatus. The pouring spout receives the pre-mixed fluid and distributes it through multiple conduits to several containers at once, combining these operations efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If containers are filled quickly and simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but proper sealing and prevention of fluid leakage becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous filling capabilityVSAvoidsealing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Each container is equipped with a self-actuating sealing element that automatically seals the container opening when the container is removed from the apparatus. This self-service sealing mechanism ensures reliable sealing without requiring manual intervention, maintaining sealing reliability even when multiple containers are filled simultaneously and removed in quick succession.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing function is extracted as a separate, dedicated component (sealing element) that is specifically designed to seal the container opening. This specialized sealing component is positioned at the container opening and automatically engages to prevent leakage, ensuring reliable sealing independent of the filling speed or number of containers being filled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 and simultaneous filling of multiple containers with a fluid mixture, including additives, while ensuring automatic sealing and reusability of the apparatus, improving the efficiency and practicality of the filling process.

Implementation Method 1

The sealing member can include a flap and/or a first wall of a slit and a second wall of the slit. The valve can include at least one of a reed valve, a duckbill valve, and a bullet valve.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9776744B2Container sealing device

Publication Date: 2017.10.03 TELEBRANDS CORP

AI summary

An apparatus for filling a plurality of containers with a fluid. The apparatus including a connector configured to removably couple the apparatus to a fluid source, a flow path providing fluid communication between the fluid source and a plurality of containers coupled to the apparatus, a sealing element disposed within each of the plurality of containers, the sealing element configured to couple the container to the apparatus and automatically seal the container when the container is decoupled from the apparatus, and a retaining member affixed to each of the plurality of containers to position the sealing element in a neck of each of the plurality of containers.