Flexible Pouch Closure System with Sliding Cap Guide
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure systems for flexible bags do not remain completely attached, hindering users when pouring or consuming contents due to the cap's lack of a fixed position, which does not meet ecological regulations requiring the closure system to stay attached to the bag even when opened.
Innovation Solution
A closure system comprising a pouring device with a fixing part, a first cylindrical pipe, a plug device with a cylindrical tube that slides between blocking positions, and rib configurations to ensure the cap remains attached to the bag, allowing for easy pouring and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cap is attached to the flexible bag by a tether, then the closure system remains attached to the bag, but the cap does not have a fixed position which hinders the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning system where the cap can move along a tether but is constrained by a guide structure on the bag. This allows the cap to remain attached (satisfying reliability) while providing a fixed operational position when needed (satisfying ease of operation). The guide structure creates a defined path for the tether, ensuring the cap returns to a consistent position after being moved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a tether as an intermediary element between the cap and the bag, rather than direct attachment. This tether acts as a flexible connector that maintains attachment while allowing controlled movement. The combination of the tether with the guide structure creates an intermediate positioning system that resolves the contradiction between fixed attachment and flexible positioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cap is allowed to move freely on the tether, then the closure system remains attached, but the cap position is not fixed which hinders pouring and consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed attachment to a dynamic controlled movement system. The cap can move along the tether within the constraints of the guide structure, providing adaptability during use while maintaining a predictable fixed position for pouring operations. The guide structure ensures the cap follows a defined path, making the movement predictable and useful rather than hindering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the attachment system into separate functional elements: the tether for flexible connection, the guide structure for positioning, and the cap for containment. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function - the tether provides movement flexibility while the guide structure ensures proper positioning for pouring, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the closure system is designed to remain fully attached to the bag, then ecological regulations are met, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into modular components: a simple tether for attachment, a guide structure for positioning, and a standard cap for containment. This segmentation allows the system to meet regulation requirements for remaining attached while keeping each individual component simple and easy to manufacture, avoiding excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tether serves as an intermediary element that simplifies the attachment mechanism while ensuring the cap remains connected to the bag. Rather than designing a complex permanent attachment mechanism, the patent uses the simple tether as a mediator that naturally keeps the system attached while allowing necessary movement, thus meeting regulations without excessive complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~2(B)
Figure 3(A)~4(D)
Figure 5~6(B)
AI summary
- Closure system for flexible bag intended to remain attached to the flexible bag. - The closure system 1 comprises, on the one hand, a pouring device (4) having a fixing part (5) for fixing the closure system (1) to the flexible bag (2) and a cylindrical conduit (6) for forming a passage for the fluid material and, on the other hand, a stopper device (7) having a stopper (8) for sealing the cylindrical conduit (6), a cylindrical tube (9) surrounding the cylindrical conduit (6) adapted to slide longitudinally around the cylindrical conduit (6) and a hinge (10) linking the stopper (8) and the cylindrical tube (9).