Duckbill Flip Cap Fitment for Collapsible Bag Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems for collapsible containers, such as bag-in-box packages, require complex sealing structures and multiple parts, making them costly and inefficient, and lack reusable coupling valve assemblies that can adapt to various connections.
Innovation Solution
A fitment comprising a spout with a duckbill flip cap and a slidably removable probe that forms a seal, using a duckbill lock ring to prevent fluid flow when the probe is removed, allowing for quick connection and disconnection with a variety of fluid conduit adaptors and preventing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complicated sealing structures with elastomeric check-valves and O-ring seals are employed, then adequate sealing to prevent product spill is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to multiple parts required for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spout, cap, duckbill seal, and locking mechanism into a single integrated fitment assembly that attaches to the bag spout. This eliminates the need for separate elastomeric check-valves and O-ring seals, reducing part count while maintaining sealing effectiveness through the integrated duckbill structure and cap design.
Solution Approach 2:
The duckbill seal automatically seals itself when the cap is removed or when fluid flow stops, eliminating the need for separate check-valves. The tapered end of the duckbill with its reversibly sealable slit provides self-closing functionality that prevents backflow without requiring additional active components.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If reusable connectors with piercing members are used to mate with inserts on fluid sources, then reusability is achieved, but the complexity of the coupling mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fitment design with its standardized cap and spout interface can be used repeatedly with various bag-in-box containers, providing universal compatibility. The quick-connect/disconnect capability allows the same fitment assembly to be reused multiple times without complex coupling mechanisms, achieving versatility across different fluid source connections.
3Ease of operation
If quick-connect/disconnect coupling mechanisms are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The duckbill seal is pre-positioned in the cap to be ready for immediate sealing action upon connection. The tapered end with reversibly sealable slit is pre-configured to automatically seal when the cap is removed or fluid flow stops, ensuring sealing reliability is maintained without compromising quick-connect functionality.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, reusable, and adaptable dispensing system that prevents fluid leakage and backflow, ensuring efficient dispensing of liquids and semi-solids while allowing for easy connection and disconnection with different fluid systems.
Implementation Method 1
a substantially hollow cap duckbill adapted to mate with the proximal end of the hollow cylinder section of the cap and which forms a seal within the fitment that can be unsealed by insertion of the probe into the fitment through the hollow cylinder of the cap
Implementation Method 2
the tapered end having a reversibly sealable slit capable of preventing fluid flow through the cap upon removal of the probe from the fitment
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a fitment for use with a collapsible bag for dispensing liquids or semi-solids comprising a spout (50) having a generally cylindrical body attached to a collapsible bag, a cap (30) attached to the spout (50) having positioned therein a flexible cap duckbill (20) that allows for the flow of fluid when engaged with a probe assembly (10).