Flexible Polymeric Sheet Gas Evacuation for Flexible Bags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for leak testing flexible containers often leave undesirable gas volumes, can damage bags, and are inefficient for testing bags of different sizes, particularly due to the use of evacuation pumps which can distort the bags.
Innovation Solution
A gas evacuation system comprising a flexible polymeric sheet and a bag receiving device with a base and raised walls, where the sheet is secured to the device and used to evacuate gas from flexible bags by opening a fluid path through a port and optional conduit, allowing for efficient gas removal without bag damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an evacuation pump is used to remove gas from the bag, then the gas evacuation efficiency is improved, but the bag may be distorted or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical evacuation pump system with a gravity-based compression system. A flexible polymeric sheet is placed over the bag opening and secured to a rigid support structure, allowing gravity and elastic recovery forces to compress the bag and evacuate gas through a port, eliminating the need for mechanical pumps that cause bag distortion
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid support structure acts as a counterweight system, providing structural support that prevents bag collapse and distortion while the flexible sheet applies controlled compression force to evacuate gas, balancing the forces to protect the bag integrity
2Reliability
If testing procedures leave an undesirable volume of gas in the bag, then the bag damage risk is reduced, but the gas evacuation completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible polymeric sheet is designed to apply sufficient compression force to evacuate substantially all gas from the bag, going beyond what is minimally required. The sheet's elastic recovery properties ensure complete compression, achieving excessive evacuation action that leaves minimal gas volume while maintaining bag integrity through controlled force distribution
3Device complexity
If it is difficult to test bags of different sizes and/or having different arrangements of ports, then the testing system complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different bag configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid support structure with flexible polymeric sheet creates a universal testing system that can accommodate bags of various sizes and port configurations. The flexible sheet adapts to different opening shapes, and the support structure can be positioned to work with different bag dimensions, providing multi-functional capability without increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible polymeric sheet provides dynamic adaptability to different bag configurations. The sheet's flexibility allows it to conform to various opening shapes and sizes, while the rigid support provides stable structural foundation, creating a dynamic system that adjusts to different bag arrangements without requiring complex reconfiguration
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 quick and complete evacuation of gas from flexible bags of various sizes and configurations in less than 10 minutes, typically within 1 to 5 minutes, without causing damage, and is suitable for both 2D and 3D bags.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible polymeric sheet having a density of at least about 3 Kg/m2
Implementation Method 2
a flexible polymeric sheet... placed in contact with the flexible wall of the bag to be compressed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Gas evacuation systems for removing gas from flexible bags, and methods of using the systems, are disclosed.