Flexible Bag Dispensing Tap with Piercing Fitment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible package dispensing systems for liquids, such as 'bag-in-box' constructions, face challenges in simplicity of construction, cost, ease of use, and flow rate, particularly in maintaining the sterility and quality of the liquid until first use and during dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A fitment system comprising a body, actuator, plunger, valve, and piercing member is secured to the flexible bag, allowing for selective dispensing by piercing a frangible seal to enable liquid flow, with the valve automatically closing to prevent leakage when not in use, and featuring a design that minimizes material stretching and enhances flow efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a piercing member is used to create an opening in the bag wall at first use, then the liquid can be dispensed through the tap, but the construction becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The piercing member is integrated into the tap assembly, combining the piercing function with the dispensing function in a single component. This merging reduces the number of separate parts needed and simplifies the overall construction while maintaining the piercing-at-first-use functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The piercing member is pre-positioned within the tap assembly in a retracted state, ready to pierce the bag wall when activated. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for separate piercing mechanisms and reduces construction complexity.
2Productivity
If the tap remains open for easy dispensing, then liquid flow rate improves, but leakage occurs when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The tap incorporates a dynamic valve mechanism that can transition between open and closed states. The valve is positioned to allow full flow when open and provides a tight seal when closed, enabling the system to adapt between high productivity and high reliability states as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism provides automatic feedback control where the dispensing action itself triggers the valve to open, and cessation of dispensing triggers it to close. This ensures the tap is open only when liquid is being actively dispensed, preventing leakage while maintaining flow rate during use.
3Ease of manufacture
If the bag wall is stretched to accommodate the tap opening, then the tap can be attached, but the liquid quality and sterility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The piercing member creates the opening in the bag wall at the moment of first use rather than during manufacturing. This preliminary action delays the opening creation until sterility is no longer required, allowing the bag to remain sealed and sterile during storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The piercing member creates a localized opening at the specific point where the tap needs to access the liquid, rather than requiring a larger opening or stretching of the bag wall. This minimal local penetration maintains the integrity and sterility of the bulk liquid while enabling tap attachment.
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 ensures aseptic dispensing, maintains liquid quality, and provides efficient flow control, ensuring the liquid is isolated from ambient air until use, thereby preventing degradation, and allows for easy operation with minimal user effort.
Implementation Method 1
The piercing member comprises a hollow member coupled to the plunger and located in the passageway. The plunger when moved to the extended position causes the piercing member to pierce through the frangible seal
Implementation Method 2
The valve is coupled to the actuator and configured to be in either an open state or a closed state. The valve is in the open state when the actuator is depressed and is in the closed state when the actuator is released
Data Source
AI summary
A package including a fitment for dispensing a liquid from a flexible bag is disclosed. The fitment is secured to the bag and includes a compressible bulb and a piercing member that are coupled together. In two embodiments the fitment is configured so that the piercing member pierces through a wall of the bag to dispense the bag's contents through an outlet port of the fitment. One of those embodiments includes a separate valve to open and close the outlet port. Another embodiment does not include a separate valve to open and close the outlet port. A third embodiment makes use of a fitment connected to a filling gland of the bag and which is in communication with the interior of the bag. That third embodiment includes a frangible seal forming part of the fitment and which is pierced by the piercing member to dispense the liquid from the bag.