Fluid Dispensing Device with Ring Cap Bag Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for dispensing fluid substances from deformable bags within containers face challenges with bag extraction after emptying, particularly in containers with small neck diameters, requiring substantial radial dimensioning of connection components and complicating disposal and operation.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a ring cap element connected to the container neck, an annular support element, and a pump, where the ring cap element binds the annular support element and flange to ensure simultaneous extraction of the bag from the container upon removal, with compact design to accommodate smaller neck diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a double-ring-cap system is used to connect the pump and bag to the container neck, then reliable connection and simultaneous extraction of the bag are achieved, but the radial dimensions of the ring cap elements become substantial, making them unsuitable for containers with small neck diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into two separate functional elements: a first ring cap that connects to the container neck and supports the bag flange, and a second ring cap that carries the pump and connects to the first ring cap. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently, with the first ring cap having minimal radial dimension for small container necks while the second ring cap provides the necessary pump mounting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The first ring cap acts as an intermediary element between the container neck and the second ring cap carrying the pump. It provides a mounting surface for the bag flange and a connection interface for the second ring cap, enabling reliable transmission of extraction forces while maintaining compact dimensions at the container neck interface.
2Device complexity
If the bag remains inside the container after pump removal, then the connection system is simple, but manual extraction of the bag becomes difficult and complicates disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second ring caps are coupled together through connection means that make them torsionally integral, merging their rotational movements. When the second ring cap is unscrewed from the container neck, the torsional coupling ensures the first ring cap rotates simultaneously, and since the bag flange rests on the first ring cap, the bag is extracted together with the ring caps as a unified assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The bag flange is preliminarily positioned to rest on the first ring cap during assembly, establishing a mechanical dependency where removal of the ring cap automatically extracts the bag. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for separate manual bag extraction operations.
3Reliability
If a sealed movable bottom is used in the container to compensate for volume changes, then internal pressure remains constant, but the system becomes laborious and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the internal volume of the container to change dynamically as the bag is depleted, rather than maintaining constant volume through a sealed movable bottom. The deformable bag itself accommodates volume changes, and air can enter the container through paths provided in the pump or at contact areas, eliminating the need for complex pressure-compensation mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Device to contain and dispense fluid, including: container including neck, connector with ring cap element; deformable bag, for housing inside a container cavity and including neck having opening to access bag cavity, and bag flange extending transversally to the bag neck; manual pump at least partially in the bag neck; ring cap element connected to container neck for connecting pump and bag to container neck; an annular support element for resting on a container neck free edge, annular support element including: seat including rest wall for bag neck flange, ring cap element, when connected to container neck, binding annular support element and at least one flange portion and annular element to container neck; and connector for cooperating with connection counter-part in ring cap element. Ring cap element includes connection counter-part for cooperating with container neck connector for removably connecting ring cap and container neck.