Dispensing Pouch and Tube Assembly for Viscous Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage and dispensing systems for viscous, flowable materials like caulk face issues with water absorption, leading to poor performance, and economic and compatibility challenges in material selection for plastic cartridges.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge assembly comprising a reusable tube and a removably positioned pouch with a nozzle, where the pouch is secured within the tube using cooperative engagement means such as threads and ridges, allowing for controlled dispensing of the material through a plunger-driven mechanism, decoupling the tube material from chemical compatibility with the stored material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a plastic cartridge is used for storing viscous materials, then economics and barrier/product compatibility are improved, but water absorption occurs leading to poor package performance
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge system is divided into two distinct components: an outer plastic cartridge and an inner pouch containing the material. The pouch acts as a separate barrier layer that prevents water absorption, while the outer cartridge provides structural support and chemical compatibility. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner pouch serves as an intermediary barrier between the stored material and the outer plastic cartridge. It mediates the interaction by preventing direct contact between the material and the plastic, thereby eliminating water absorption issues while maintaining the economic benefits of using a plastic outer cartridge.
2Reliability
If a foil barrier is used in the cartridge, then water absorption is prevented, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating a complex multi-layer foil barrier in a single manufacturing process, the system segments the barrier function into a separate removable pouch. This simplifies the outer cartridge manufacturing while achieving the same water barrier performance through the pouch material.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner pouch is designed as a disposable component that is replaced when the material is exhausted. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex foil barrier construction in the permanent cartridge, as the barrier function is provided by the temporary, inexpensive pouch.
3Reliability
If the tube material is chemically compatible with the stored material, then product integrity is maintained, but material selection is limited and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the chemical compatibility requirement from the structural cartridge material. The inner pouch is made of material chemically compatible with the stored product, while the outer cartridge can be made from any suitable plastic for structural purposes. This segmentation provides versatility in material selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner pouch acts as an intermediary barrier that provides chemical compatibility between the stored material and the outer cartridge. This allows the outer cartridge to be made from economically favorable plastics without compromising product integrity, as the pouch mediates any chemical interactions.
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
This solution reduces costs by allowing non-compatible materials for the tube, minimizes waste, and enhances graphic capabilities, while maintaining the usability and discharge functionality of the stored material, addressing water absorption issues and economic constraints.
Implementation Method 1
The linear movement of the plunger compresses the pouch within the tube and forces the material from the pouch, through the nozzle.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided for storing and dispensing flowable material. The assembly includes a reusable tube dimensionally formed to fit within the body of a dispensing gun. A separate pouch member is provided for storing a quantity of flowable material and is formed to be removably positioned within the tube. A nozzle is provided on the pouch for directing discharge of the material from the pouch. The pouch is provided with a fitment at one end. Cooperative elements are formed between the end wall of the tube and the fitment, which engage upon insertion of the pouch into the tube. A disk is provided for removable attachment to the plunger portion of the gun. A hook or gripping device projects from the disk for engagement of the end of the pouch.