Filter Cap Baffle with Single Perforation for Vent Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter vents in containers are prone to clogging due to contact with contents, leading to pressure imbalances and potential bursting or collapse, as they lack effective protection from container contents.

Innovation Solution

A gas-permeable filter baffle assembly with a single perforation is placed between the container mouth and the filter vent, preventing contact with contents while allowing gas exchange, using materials like expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with strategically sized perforations to maintain venting functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a filter vent is provided in the cap to equalize gas pressure, then gas exchange is enabled, but the filter vent becomes susceptible to clogging by container contents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas exchange functionalityVSAvoidclogging by container contents

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A baffle is introduced as an intermediary component between the container contents and the filter vent. The baffle includes a perforation that allows gas to pass through while physically blocking liquid and particulate contents from reaching and clogging the filter vent pores, thus resolving the contradiction between enabling gas exchange and preventing clogging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The venting system is segmented into two functional components: the baffle with its perforation for gas passage and the filter vent for fine filtration. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, with the baffle handling the bulk gas flow and protecting the filter vent from direct contact with contents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the filter material is matched to the physicochemical properties of contents to encourage phase separation, then some protection is achieved, but the selection of filter materials is limited and drainage is encouraged rather than contact prevention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact between contents and filterVSAvoidfilter material selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The baffle serves as a universal protective intermediary that works with any filter material regardless of its specific physicochemical properties. Rather than requiring the filter material to be matched to contents properties, the baffle provides a physical barrier that prevents contact for all content types, thereby maintaining versatility in filter material selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a baffle is used to protect the filter vent, then clogging is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from cloggingVSAvoidstructure of filter cap assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The baffle is constructed as a thin, flexible membrane or foil that can be easily integrated into the filter cap assembly. This thin-film approach provides effective protection against clogging while minimizing the addition of bulk and structural complexity to the device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 effectively protects filter vents from clogging, ensuring consistent gas exchange and preventing pressure imbalances, compatible with various container contents and materials, while allowing for flexible and environmentally friendly container designs.

Implementation Method 1

the baffle including a single perforation to permit gas exchange between an interior of the container and the filter vent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas permeation through perforation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

The filter vent permits gases to diffuse in and out of the interior of the container, via the vent aperture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas diffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS11155393B2Filter cap assembly including protective baffle and method of use

Publication Date: 2021.10.26 SELIG GRAND RAPIDS LLC

AI summary

A filter baffle assembly, including a filter cap engageable to a mouth of a container, the filter cap including a filter vent operatively attached to a liner situated within an inner space of the filter cap, and a gas permeable baffle disposed between a mouth of the container and the filter vent, covering the filter vent, the baffle including a single perforation to permit gas exchange between an interior of the container and the filter vent, and to protect the filter vent from contact with contents housed in the interior of the container. A gas permeable point baffle for protecting a filter vent from contact with the contents of a container, including a single perforation, the point baffle being welded to a liner and covering a filter vent operatively attached to the liner, housed within a cap engageable to the mouth of the container. A method for protecting a filter vent from the contents of a container.