Flexible Container Inlet with Segmented Metal Coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing flexible containers for transporting powder/granular products face challenges with aluminum lamination at the inlet/outlet, which becomes rigid and difficult to seal when clamped to connection devices for filling/emptying.

Innovation Solution

A container design featuring a flexible inlet/outlet with a distal end section having a different, more flexible structure than the proximal end section, which is coated with metal, allowing for easier sealing and clamping to connection devices, using a combination of polyethylene film with and without metal coating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the inlet/outlet is coated with aluminum lamination to protect the product from unwanted radiation or chemical reactions, then product protection is improved, but the inlet/outlet becomes rigid and difficult to seal when clamped to a connection device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct protection from radiation and chemical reactionsVSAvoidsealing difficulty when clamped to connection device

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The inlet/outlet is divided into two distinct sections: a proximal end section with aluminum lamination for product protection and a distal end section without coating for flexible sealing. This segmentation allows each section to fulfill its specific function optimally - the coated section protects the product while the uncoated section provides ease of sealing when clamped to connection devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The aluminum lamination is applied selectively only to the proximal end section of the inlet/outlet rather than the entire length. This local quality approach ensures that the protective function is provided where needed (at the product interface) while maintaining flexibility and sealability at the distal end section that interfaces with connection devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables secure and efficient filling/emptying of powder/granular products by providing a stronger seal at the distal end section and easier sealing at the proximal end section, preventing cross-contamination and simplifying the clamping process.

Implementation Method 1

coat the inlet/outlet with an aluminum lamination, for example to protect the product from unwanted radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

prevent unwanted chemical reactions with the plastic from which the inlet/outlet is made

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBarrier protection:

Implementation Method 3

by heating/melting the polyethylene film of the proximal end section carrying the coating and the polyethylene film forming the distal end section and thus bonding them materially

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP4417542A1Container and use thereof

Publication Date: 2024.08.21 HECHT TECHNOLOGIE GMBH

Figure 1
Figure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a container (1), in particular a container, for transporting a powder/granular product, comprising: a flexible inlet/outlet (2) which is intended to be clamped to a connecting device with a distal end section (22) in order to fill the product into the container (1) or to empty the container (1), wherein the distal end section (22) has a different, in particular more flexible, structure than another section of the inlet/outlet (2).