Flexible Mounting with Radial Evacuation Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible bag evacuation systems, such as those with helical channels, are not well-suited for modern collapsible plastic film bags and can interfere with quick-disconnect fittings, leading to incomplete drainage of viscous fluids, especially when the bag collapses or is used with angled trays.
Innovation Solution
A flexible mounting system comprising a peripheral ring with attached evacuation channels and flexible legs that can accommodate service line connectors without interference, allowing the channels to lie flat within the bag and extend radially from the spout, enabling complete drainage without additional manufacturing steps or heat sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a helical evacuation channel is mounted in the spout and extends into the interior of the flexible bag, then the spout remains open and complete drainage is achieved, but the bag cannot assume a flattened configuration and an extra manufacturing step is required
Solution Approach 1:
The evacuation channel is divided into multiple discrete channels (e.g., four channels) arranged radially around the spout, each independently mounted. This segmentation allows the channels to be positioned peripherally without extending deeply into the bag interior, enabling the bag to flatten while maintaining drainage functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the evacuation channel axially into the bag interior (one dimension), the invention positions multiple channels radially around the spout periphery (another dimension). This dimensional change allows the channels to effectively prevent wall collapse and ensure drainage without protruding into the bag volume, thus allowing the bag to assume a flattened configuration.
2Reliability
If a helical evacuation channel is mounted to extend into the bag interior, then evacuation is effective, but service line connectors with quick-disconnect fittings cannot be used due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The single helical channel is segmented into multiple radial channels positioned around the spout periphery. This segmentation reduces the radial projection of each individual channel, creating sufficient clearance for the slider of quick-disconnect fittings to move freely within the spout without interfering with the evacuation channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The evacuation channels are positioned asymmetrically around the spout periphery rather than forming a central helical structure. This asymmetric peripheral arrangement creates uneven distribution of channels around the spout, allowing space for the service line connector and slider mechanism to operate without interference while maintaining effective evacuation coverage.
3Ease of operation
If the bag collapses as contents are removed, then the bag is flexible and collapsible, but the wall may be drawn close to the spout and block it
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple radial evacuation channels are positioned around the spout periphery, creating multiple pathways for fluid evacuation. This segmentation ensures that even if one channel is partially blocked by collapsing bag walls, other channels remain open, maintaining reliable evacuation and preventing complete spout blockage.
Solution Approach 2:
The evacuation channels are positioned radially around the spout periphery rather than extending axially into the bag. This dimensional arrangement creates a protective barrier around the spout opening, preventing collapsing bag walls from reaching and blocking the spout interior while still allowing effective evacuation of contents.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a mounting for connecting at least one peripherally- connected evacuation channel to the spout of a flexible bag and more particularly to a flexible mounting for connecting such at least one evacuation channel.