Extrudable Material Container with Automatic Plug Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users find it inconvenient and time-consuming to cut through a chub each time a new cartridge is loaded into an extrusion gun, and existing solutions either compromise the integrity of the chub or require non-standard manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A container design where the discharge end of the flexible bag is closed by an interfitting action between the closure means and the outlet, allowing for a plug or ring to hold the chub closed until ready for use, with a removable release member that locks the closure means in place during manufacturing and automatically releases it for use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wire crimp is used to close the discharge end of the chub, then the chub can be easily opened by forcing the crimp off, but the chub's integrity and safety containment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented into three distinct components: the crimp (first closure means) that provides initial sealing, the plug (second closure means) that provides secure containment, and the release member (third closure means) that enables controlled opening. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill a specific function - the crimp for easy removal, the plug for secure containment, and the release member for controlled activation - thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of opening and integrity maintenance.
2Ease of operation
If the chub is cut during manufacture, then the contents can be released easily, but the toxic contents may escape into the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge end of the chub is pre-positioned through the outlet during manufacture, and the plug is pre-installed to seal it. The release member is pre-configured with detent means that will automatically release the plug when activated. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the chub contents remain securely contained during storage and transport, eliminating the risk of premature escape, while still allowing easy release when the release member is intentionally activated by the user.
3Ease of operation
If a cutting mechanism is operated immediately before use, then the chub can be opened, but the user still has to perform a cutting operation
Solution Approach 1:
The release member is designed to automatically perform the function of opening the chub when activated by the user. Instead of requiring the user to manually cut the chub, the release member self-activates the release mechanism through its detent means, which automatically disengages from the outlet and allows the plug to be removed. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual cutting operations, saving time and effort while maintaining secure containment until activation.
4Ease of operation
If a non-standard chub manufacturing process is used to create a weak crimp, then the chub can break open under pressure, but the chub manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure function is segmented across three components manufactured through standard processes: the crimp applied during conventional chub manufacturing, the plug that seals the discharge end, and the release member that enables opening. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using standard, well-established processes without requiring non-standard manufacturing techniques, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving automatic opening functionality through the coordinated action of the segmented components.
Data Source
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AI summary
Extrudable material is often supplied in flexible tubular bags, called "chubs", that are sealed at opposite ends. Sometimes, the chub has separate longitudinal compartments containing different materials that react together when mixed. To extrude the material the chub is placed in an extrusion gun, one end of the chub is cut open, and the material is then squeezed from the chub through an outlet. The step of cutting the chub is inconvenient for the user. The problem is solved by arranging one end of the chub (6) so that it extends into a component (2) that defines an outlet (3) and by including a plug (10) or other closure means that interfits with the outlet (3) so as to hold the discharge end of the chub closed until the plug is removed. In a preferred construction a removable release member (11) screws on to the outlet (3) and is used to hold the plug (10) firmly in position until ready for use. The release member (11) and the plug (10) are formed with detent means (11A, 10C) designed so that, when the release member (11) is screwed into position during manufacture, the release member (11) and the plug (10) become locked together in an axial direction. Consequently, when the release member (11) is removed by the user, the plug (10) is automatically removed with it. The user then needs only to fit a nozzle onto the outlet and to place the cartridge in a suitable gun before use.