Elastomeric Band Collapsible Bag Dispensing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol delivery systems face issues with the release of harmful propellants, safety concerns due to pressurized containers, and difficulties in providing a metered amount of product that satisfies all users, while existing collapsible container systems with elastomeric bands suffer from product trapping and limited geometry options.
Innovation Solution
A material dispensing system comprising a collapsible bag surrounded by an elastomeric band that expands axially and radially, allowing for adjustable container geometry and multiple product chambers, with an optional valve for controlled dispensing, and an outer container that can be transparent, flexible, or have varying shapes to indicate product levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pump system is used to dispense metered amounts of product, then the product can be dispensed in controlled quantities, but different consumers have different requirements making it difficult to satisfy all users
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static pump mechanism to a dynamic aerosol-driven dispensing system where the expansion force of the elastomeric band creates variable pressure to propel different amounts of product with each activation, allowing consumers to obtain different volumes by pressing the actuator different lengths of time
2Use of energy by moving object
If the elastomeric band expands predominantly in the radial direction, then the system can generate potential energy, but a significant amount of product can be trapped in the closed end of the container
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric band is configured to expand in multiple dimensions including axial and radial directions, not just radially. This multi-directional expansion ensures more complete product dispensing by preventing product trapping in the closed end of the container while still generating sufficient potential energy
3Productivity
If aerosol containers are used to deliver products, then the delivery can be effective and relatively inexpensive, but the containers are considered pressure vessels requiring extra safety equipment and procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a collapsible container with controlled internal pressure generated by elastomeric band expansion rather than high-pressure aerosol propellants. This parameter change in pressure generation method maintains effective product delivery while eliminating the need for heavy-duty pressure vessel safety equipment and procedures
4Adaptability or versatility
If the bag has a length that is at least about 50% longer than the length of the band, then the system allows for axial expansion and contraction, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct steps: forming the collapsible container, attaching the elastomeric band, and sealing the assembly. This segmentation of the manufacturing process simplifies the overall complexity while enabling the bag to be made with length at least 50% longer than the band for optimal axial expansion
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 system provides efficient, controlled dispensing of various products without the drawbacks of aerosols, allowing for axial expansion and contraction, reducing product trapping, and enabling flexible container geometries and visibility of remaining product.
Implementation Method 1
When the container is initially filled with product, it expands along with the surrounding elastomeric band. Potential energy is generated as the elastomeric band stretches. And when the actuator is operated to open the valve, the potential energy is converted to kinetic energy to dispense product out of the container
Implementation Method 2
the band is constructed of material that permits the transfer of invisible light waves through a wall of the band-this enables invisible light to pass through the band when situated around a bag preform to heat the preform prior to blowing the same into a final bag configuration
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Material dispensing systems and methods for make such systems are described. The material dispensing systems employ a collapsible container that is at least partially surrounded by an elastically deformable band. The band stretches as the container is filled with a flowable composition, thereby creating potential energy which can then be used to dispense the composition in lieu of a propellant and/or pressurized container.