Fluid Container With Flexible Flap For Spillage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid containers for antiseptic compositions, such as those containing chlorhexidine gluconate, often result in severe spillage during handling, which is undesirable in sterile environments like operating theaters, and do not facilitate easy extraction of residual fluid for recycling.
Innovation Solution
A fluid container design featuring a flexible flap portion that can be adjusted between a down-folded state to prevent leakage and an up-folded state for easy fluid extraction, with a rigid base for stability and angled container walls to minimize spillage, allowing the container to function as a 'fluid trap' when tilted or inverted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an open mixing vessel is used for antiseptic composition, then easy access and preparation is enabled, but severe spillage occurs during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane closing the vessel opening, which can be selectively punctured or opened. This flexible barrier prevents spillage during transport and storage while allowing controlled access during use, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and spillage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The vessel transitions from a closed static state (preventing spillage) to an open dynamic state (allowing access). The membrane can be punctured, peeled, or folded back to provide access when needed, while maintaining its protective function during transport, thus resolving the contradiction between operational ease and spillage prevention.
2Loss of substance
If residual fluid is left in the container, then recycling is possible, but extraction requires external suction or cap removal which complicates the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the closure element (membrane, cap, or flap) as a separate removable component. This allows the closure to be completely removed or opened, enabling easy extraction of residual fluid without requiring external suction devices or complex cap removal mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between fluid recovery and operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system is segmented into separate components (membrane, cap, or flap) that can be independently removed. This segmentation allows the closure to be taken off completely, providing direct access to the container interior and facilitating easy residual fluid extraction for recycling purposes.
3Ease of operation
If the container is tilted or inverted for fluid extraction, then fluid can be poured out, but spillage risk increases in sterile environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the closure for removal in advance (pre-punctured membrane, pre-attached peelable film, or pre-hinged flap). This preliminary preparation allows the closure to be quickly and cleanly removed without tilting or inverting the container, enabling fluid extraction while maintaining spillage prevention in sterile environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane or removable cap acts as an intermediary between the container interior and exterior. It can be selectively opened or removed to allow controlled fluid access without requiring the container to be tilted or inverted, thus preventing spillage while facilitating extraction in sterile settings.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid container for holding a fluid, specifically adapted for improved user handling by reducing the risk of fluid spillage in combination with easy extraction of the fluid comprised in the container. The present disclosure also relates to a fluid container system.