Flexible Stopper Storage Assembly With Anti-Stick Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for storing loose items like syringe stoppers face issues with stoppers getting stuck in the connector, leading to operational failures, damage, and loss of stoppers due to improper cooperation with isolator doors.
Innovation Solution
A container assembly comprising a flexible body with a rigid connector and a removable tie that forms an enclosed area around the connector, preventing items from entering and getting stuck, using a flexible cap with an elastic band to secure the tie in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If stoppers are stored in a container with a connector having ribs and compartments, then the connector can cooperate with isolator door, but stoppers may get stuck in the connector preventing proper operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic interaction between stoppers and connector by introducing an enclosed area that physically separates stoppers from the connector's ribs and compartments. This extraction prevents stoppers from entering the connector while maintaining the connector's cooperative function with the isolator door.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosed area acts as an intermediary zone between the storage space and the connector. This intermediate region, defined by the container body and sealed by the closure member, mediates the interaction by providing a buffer zone that prevents direct contact between stoppers and the connector's functional parts.
2Productivity
If stoppers are stored in the container, then they can be transferred to isolator, but some stoppers remain trapped in the connector and are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts trapped stoppers from the connector by providing an enclosed area that prevents stoppers from entering the connector in the first place. This extraction eliminates the source of stopper loss while maintaining transfer capability.
3Strength
If the connector has ribs and compartments for cooperation with isolator door, then proper sealing is achieved, but stoppers can be stuck and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosed area serves as a protective intermediary between stoppers and the connector's ribs. This intermediate zone allows the connector to maintain its sealing function through rib engagement while preventing stoppers from contacting these potentially damaging structural elements.
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
Prevents stoppers from being stuck in the connector, reducing operational failures and loss, while maintaining ease of use and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The tie can comprise an elastic band, which may be substantially a closed circular loop
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
Figure 4a~5b
AI summary
The assembly (1) comprises a container (10) which comprises: - a flexible body (20) including a first sheet (21) and a second sheet (22) secured to one another along part of their corresponding their edges, the body (20) forming an internal volume and having a filling aperture and an exit opening for the stored items to exit the container; - a rigid connector (40) mounted at the exit opening. The connector is placed relative to the body with its axis (A40) orthogonal to the sheets (21, 22), the connector being located on the side of the first sheet (21). A region of the body located around the connector is wrapped around the inner part of the connector, from the side of the second sheet (22). Furthermore, a tie (54) is removably placed around the connector from the side of the second sheet, the tie thereby also surrounding said region of the body and tightening it against and around the connector. Thus, there is formed in the body and around the connector inner part (45) an enclosed area (33) into which the items cannot enter as long as the tie remains in position.