Fluid Dispensing Closure With Flame-Mitigation Hole Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid container closures fail to effectively prevent flame penetration, as they do not meet the ASTM F3429/F3429M-20 requirements for flame mitigation, posing a safety risk.
Innovation Solution
A flame mitigating fluid dispenser design with thicker top wall thickness and smaller, more numerous holes, along with a secure lid mechanism, to inhibit flame intrusion while allowing fluid flow, using a single molded plastic component to ensure safety and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional closure designs with thin top walls and larger orifices are used, then fluid dispensing is easier, but flame penetration into the container occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The top wall is segmented into multiple small holes (e.g., 13 holes arranged in a circular pattern) rather than using a single large orifice. Each hole has a diameter of approximately 0.030 inches or less, and the total combined area of all holes provides sufficient fluid dispensing while the small individual hole sizes prevent flame penetration into the container
Solution Approach 2:
The top wall thickness is locally increased in the dispensing zone to at least approximately 0.090 inches, which is thicker than the rest of the top wall. This localized thickening provides flame mitigation in the critical dispensing area while maintaining overall structural efficiency and not unnecessarily increasing the entire closure's complexity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the top wall thickness is increased to prevent flame penetration, then flame mitigation improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flame mitigating features (thickened top wall in dispensing zone, array of small holes) are integrated into a single molded closure structure. The spout, lid, and thickened top wall forming the dispensing zone are all part of one closure component that can be manufactured as a single piece, avoiding the need for multiple separate parts and assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The top wall thickness is selectively increased only in the dispensing zone where flame mitigation is most critical, rather than uniformly thickening the entire top wall. This localized approach provides effective flame protection while minimizing material usage and manufacturing complexity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple small holes are used instead of fewer large holes, then flame arrestment improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid dispensing function is segmented into multiple small holes (e.g., 13 holes) arranged in a circular pattern within the spout. Each hole has a diameter of approximately 0.030 inches or less, and the holes are spaced apart by at least approximately 0.030 inches on the upper surface, creating a pattern that is effective at flame arrestment
Solution Approach 2:
The array of precision holes is integrated into the spout structure as a single molded feature. The spout, lid, and hole array are formed as one closure component through injection molding or similar processes, which can produce consistent hole patterns and dimensions at scale, reducing the practical impact of precision requirements
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 design effectively prevents flame penetration during endurance and flashback tests, ensuring safety by maintaining structural integrity and preventing fire ignition within the container.
Implementation Method 1
The thickness of the top wall in the dispensing zone is preferably thicker than the thickness of the top wall outside of the dispensing zone... The dispenser configured to attach to the container... mitigating flame infiltration
Implementation Method 2
A flame arrestor is a screen that quenches and cools a flame so that it cannot pass through the flame arrestor
Implementation Method 3
Each hole has a diameter of approximately 0.030 inches or less at the point where the hole meets the lower surface. Each hole is spaced apart from an adjacent hole by at least approximately 0.030 inches on the upper surface
Data Source
AI summary
A flame mitigating fluid dispenser for controlling flow of flammable fluid from a container while mitigating flame infiltration. The dispenser configured to attach to the container. The dispenser includes a top wall with an upper surface, a lower surface and defining a thickness between the upper and lower surfaces. The top wall has a dispensing zone where the thickness of the top wall is at least approximately 0.090 inches. A plurality of holes are formed in the top wall in the dispensing zone. The holes extend through the thickness. Each hole has a diameter of approximately 0.030 inches or less at the point where the hole meets the lower surface. Each hole is spaced apart from an adjacent hole by at least approximately 0.030 inches on the upper surface. A sidewall is formed on and depending downward from an outer periphery of the top wall.