Elastic Piping Bag Opening for Hygienic Stop-Start Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piping bags for viscous foodstuff dispensing do not allow efficient and hygienic break-off and resumption of use, and often result in unsatisfactory dispensing shapes.
Innovation Solution
A piping bag with an elastically deformable dispensing opening structure comprising two plates that automatically open and close based on user pressure, allowing controlled dispensing and minimizing contact with the dispensing end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional piping bag with a simple open end is used, then dispensing operation is simple and fast, but the dispensing opening cannot be automatically closed to prevent contamination and leakage when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing opening structure transitions from a static closed state to a dynamic state that automatically opens when the user squeezes the bag and automatically closes when pressure is released. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by providing reliable automatic closure without requiring complex manual operation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing opening structure is self-actuating through elastic deformation of the plates in response to pressure changes. The system serves itself by automatically opening and closing based on the squeezing action, eliminating the need for separate manual opening/closing mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the user repeatedly touches the dispensing end to open and close it, then the operation is simple, but hygiene is compromised due to contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing opening structure automatically opens and closes in response to squeezing pressure without requiring the user to manually touch or manipulate the opening. This self-service mechanism eliminates the harmful factor of contamination while maintaining ease of operation through the simple squeezing action.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic elastic deformation of the plates allows the opening to respond automatically to pressure changes, creating a hygienic operation where the user never needs to touch the dispensing end. The structure transitions between open and closed states based on the squeezing action alone.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed rigid opening structure is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot provide automatic opening/closing functionality and cannot control dispensing shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic plates change their physical state between relaxed (closed) and tensioned (open) conditions based on pressure application. This parameter change enables automatic opening and closing functionality while keeping the structure relatively simple, as the same elastic material provides both structural integrity and adaptive behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions from a static rigid form to a dynamic elastic form that can automatically adapt its state. The elastic plates provide both structural stability and the ability to open/close automatically, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
4Productivity
If the piping bag is broken off after partial use, then the operation is simple, but the remaining viscous mass cannot be stored for later use
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic closure mechanism allows the piping bag to seal itself when not in use, enabling the user to pause dispensing and resume later without breaking off the bag. This self-service sealing capability provides break-off and resume functionality while maintaining dispensing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic plates provide more than just opening/closing functionality—they create a reliable seal that allows the bag to be paused and resumed. This excessive action (automatic sealing) enables the break-off and resume capability without compromising dispensing efficiency.
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
Facilitates efficient, hygienic, and visually appealing dispensing of viscous foodstuff with automatic closure preventing contamination and leakage, while enabling skilled control over dispensing shapes.
Implementation Method 1
the first plate and the second plate are each in an elastically tensioned condition by being elastically deformed, relative to said elastically relaxed condition, in a circumferentially curved manner around the longitudinal direction of the piping bag
Implementation Method 2
the dispensing opening structure of the piping bag automatically returns from its open condition into its closed condition, when a user stops pressurizing the viscous mass within the piping bag
Data Source
AI summary
A piping bag (1) for dispensing a viscous mass of foodstuff includes a dispensing opening structure (7) having first and second plates (11, 12), which are elastically deformable, and which are fixed relative to one another along their longitudinal opposite side edges (21A, 21B, 22A, 22B). The dispensing opening structure has a closed condition in which the first and second plates are each in an elastically relaxed condition, and an open condition in which the first and second plates, under influence of a user pressurizing the viscous mass within the piping bag, are each in an elastically tensioned condition by being elastically deformed. The invention provides a highly efficient and highly hygienic solution according to which a user can interrupt and resume the dispensing use of the piping bag. At the same time the solution provided by the invention allows for favourable dispensing results.