Covered Bulk Container Valve for Stronger Bag-to-Wrap Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bulk goods containers with flexible internal bags face issues during transport due to exposed external discs that complicate handling and weaken the join between the protective wrapping and the internal bag, leading to potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A fluid injection and/or extraction valve with a covered seating that integrates the valve components within the container, using a cover to secure the protective wrapping and enhance the resistance of the join between the internal bag and the valve, allowing for secure anchoring and protection during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external clamping disc is used to anchor the valve seating to the protective wrapping, then the valve can be securely attached, but the exposed disc complicates container handling and weakens the join during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external clamping disc from the system and replaces it with an integrated cover structure. The cover is attached to the valve body and provides both protection and anchoring functions, eliminating the separate external disc component that caused handling difficulties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the cover structure: it protects the valve seating, anchors the protective wrapping through integrated clamping elements, and seals the valve assembly. This merging eliminates the need for a separate external clamping disc while maintaining secure attachment.
2Ease of operation
If the valve seating is exposed on the protective wrapping, then the valve can be accessed, but the exposed structure weakens the join between protective wrapping and internal bag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the valve seating is housed within the cover assembly. The protective wrapping is clamped between the cover and the valve body, creating a nested configuration that protects the join while maintaining access to the valve through the cover's opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover structure is pre-configured with clamping elements that secure the protective wrapping to the valve assembly before transport. This preliminary anchoring action ensures the join is strengthened in advance, preventing weakening during subsequent handling and transport operations.
3Strength
If a cover is added to protect the valve seating and secure the protective wrapping, then the join strength is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously protects the valve seating, anchors the protective wrapping through integrated clamping elements, and provides access to the valve. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is constructed as a thin-walled structure that provides adequate protection and structural integrity without adding significant complexity or weight. The thin-film design allows the cover to maintain strength while minimizing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The valve comprises a fluid inlet and/or outlet duct (8) comprising a flowrate regulator element (9) and a seating (10) for said fluid inlet and/or outlet duct (8), said seating (10) including a surface (10b) adapted to be attached to a portion of an internal bag (4) made of flexible material in the container (1), and is characterised in that it comprises a cover (11) to protect said seating (10) and comprising a hole for access to said fluid inlet and/or outlet duct (8); said cover (11) comprising means (13, 14) for securing a protective wrapping (5) enveloping the internal bag (4) on said seating (10). The container is characterised in that it includes at least one valve (3a, 3b) for the injection and/or extraction of fluid, and in that a portion of said internal bag (4) made of flexible material is attached to the seating (10) of the inlet duct (8) of said valve (3a, 3b) and that a portion of the protective wrapping (5) for said internal bag (4) is held against said seating (10) by the cover (11).