Deformable Outlet Region for Enteral Feeding Container
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional enteral feeding containers face challenges in storage and dispensing due to the inconvenient positioning of the outlet port, which can lead to interference during stacking and difficulties in easy dispensing of the contents.
Innovation Solution
A thermoformed polymeric container with a deformable outlet region that can pivot from a storage position to an administration position, allowing the flow channel to direct sideways, preventing interference during stacking and facilitating easy dispensing, and featuring a hanger for vertical orientation when used with an infusion stand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the outlet port is positioned on the peripheral flange of the container, then the container can be easily filled and sterilized, but the outlet port position becomes inconvenient for stacking and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet region is made deformable and can be positioned in different configurations. In the storage position, the outlet region is deformed to direct the flow channel downwards, allowing containers to be stacked without interference. During administration, the outlet region can be deformed to direct the flow channel sideways for easy connection to tubing sets.
2Ease of manufacture
If the outlet port is positioned on the peripheral flange, then manufacturing is simplified, but interference during stacking occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet region incorporates a deformable structure that can be positioned in a downward-directed configuration during storage and stacking, eliminating interference between stacked containers. The deformable nature allows the same structure to be reconfigured during administration for optimal flow channel direction.
3Ease of operation
If the flow channel is directed upwards or sideways in the storage position, then the outlet is accessible, but air may be introduced into the container during dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel direction is dynamically adjusted based on the operational state. In the storage position, the flow channel is directed downwards to prevent air introduction and maintain aseptic conditions. During administration, the outlet region is deformed to direct the flow channel sideways, providing accessibility while maintaining reliable dispensing.
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
The deformable outlet region ensures easy administration and prevents interference during stacking, maintaining aseptic conditions and protecting the contents from damage, while allowing for efficient dispensing without introducing air into the container.
Implementation Method 1
the outlet region is deformable to an administration position where the flow channel is directed sideways
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A container (101) for a liquid nutritional product comprises a thermoformed polymeric container body (110) having a base (112) and an upstanding sidewall (114) defining a product space (116), the upstanding sidewall terminating at a peripheral flange (118). A cover (120) is permanently sealed to the peripheral flange and an outlet (126) is provided on an outlet region (122) of the container body. The outlet defines a flow channel for the liquid nutritional product to leave the product space and, in a storage condition, the flow channel is directed at least partially downwards in a direction away from the cover and towards the base. For administration, the outlet region is deformable to an administration position where the flow channel is directed sideways in a direction parallel to the base.