Flexible Container Off-Center Port Tote Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large volume, three-dimensional flexible containers used in biotech industries face stress and potential rupture due to hydraulic pressure, leading to leakage issues when not properly positioned within rigid support casings, which complicates handling and replacement, especially with extensive tubing and accessory elements.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a tote with a cut-out floor accommodating off-center ports on the flexible container's bottom wall, allowing easy access and alignment, and a door or flap for secure positioning, along with support elements to prevent misalignment and ensure stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the port is located at the center of the bottom wall, then the container is symmetric and easier to manufacture, but the handling, positioning and alignment during filling and replacement become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The port is deliberately positioned off-center on the bottom wall of the container, creating an asymmetric design that facilitates easier handling, positioning and alignment during filling and replacement operations, while accepting the trade-off of more complex manufacturing requirements
2Volume of stationary object
If the container is delivered in a collapsed folded state to reduce storage space, then the storage efficiency is improved, but the container dimensions remain large and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible container is designed to be collapsed and folded into a compact state for storage and transport, similar to a nested doll structure, reducing the volume occupied while maintaining the ability to expand to full size during operation
3Productivity
If the container is not properly positioned within the tote, then the setup process is faster, but the hydraulic pressure causes seam failure and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The off-center port position is designed to automatically guide the container into the correct position within the tote during the filling process, ensuring proper alignment and support before hydraulic pressure builds up, thereby preventing seam failure and leakage
4Ease of operation
If extensive tubing and accessory elements are attached to the container for simplified setup, then the ease of operation is improved, but the placement and positioning within the tote becomes more troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The port is positioned off-center to separate the connection point for tubing and accessories from the center of the container, allowing these elements to be attached and managed more easily without interfering with the container's positioning and placement within the tote
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system including a tote (72) and a flexible container (10) which fits into said tote, said tote including a box shaped body (74) with four side faces and a floor (76), said floor having a cut out (88) extending from an edge portion of the floor, said edge portion being part of an edge adjacent to a side face of the tote which comprises a door (84,86) or a flap, said flexible container having a bottom wall (12), a top wall (14) and four side walls (16,18,20,22) of a substantial rectangular configuration and made of a flexible plastic sheet material, said container comprising at least one port (64), wherein said bottom wall comprises said at least a first port (64) in an off-center position, said cut out accommodating said first port in the bottom wall of the container. The system of the present invention provides for an easy set up and replacement of the container.