Dispensing Plug With Biasing Valve For Flexible Fluid Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible containers used for eye drops and other treatment fluids are prone to microbial ingress due to manual compression methods of dispensing, which can lead to contamination.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing plug with an adjustable valve is integrated into the flexible container, featuring a spring-like mechanism or magnetic forces to bias the valve towards closure, preventing microbial ingress until manual compression overcomes the biasing force to allow fluid dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual compression is used to dispense fluid from flexible container, then fluid dispensing is achieved, but microbial ingress risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
A dispensing plug acts as an intermediary component between the flexible container and the external environment. The plug includes a valve mechanism that mediates fluid dispensing while preventing microbial ingress. The valve portion with biasing element controls fluid flow through the plug, allowing dispensing operation while maintaining contamination prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism is extracted as a separate functional component within the dispensing plug. The valve portion can be positioned to close off the fluid path, effectively separating the internal container environment from external contamination sources while still allowing controlled fluid dispensing when needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If valve is biased toward closure to prevent microbial ingress, then contamination prevention is improved, but fluid dispensing requires overcoming biasing force
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element provides a controllable opposing force that can be overcome by sufficient compression. The spring constant or magnetic field strength can be designed to provide adequate sealing force during storage while being overcome by normal dispensing compression forces, allowing both protection and dispensing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism transitions between static closed position (during storage) and dynamic open position (during dispensing). The biasing element maintains the valve in a closed state until external compression force overcomes the biasing force, at which point the valve dynamically opens to allow fluid flow, then automatically returns to closed position when compression is released.
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
Effectively prevents microbial contamination by sealing the fluid path when not in use and ensures reliable dispensing of fluids while maintaining hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustable valve includes a first valve portion positioned in the fluid path between the inlet and the outlet. The adjustable valve also includes a second valve portion oriented to cause a first force to be exerted on the first valve portion.
Implementation Method 2
A dispensing plug with an adjustable valve is integrated into the flexible container, featuring a spring-like mechanism or magnetic forces to bias the valve towards closure
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, a dispensing plug includes a fluid path having an inlet and an outlet. The dispensing plug also includes a valve adjustably disposed relative to the fluid path. The valve includes a first valve portion positioned in the fluid path between the inlet and the outlet. The valve also includes a second valve portion oriented to cause a first force to be exerted on the first valve portion. The first force biases the first valve portion toward closure of the fluid path.