Foam Liner Shields Venting Membrane in Closed Loop Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fragile venting membranes in container inserts are often damaged during the threadable securing process due to rotation with the retaining disc, leading to inefficiencies in corrosive or medical liquid dispensing systems.
Innovation Solution
A container insert design featuring a ring-shaped foam liner positioned adjacent to the venting membrane, which prevents damage by absorbing the rotational force and includes a spring-actuated valve stem to manage pressure, ensuring the venting membrane remains intact during attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the retainer disc is threadably secured to the lower end of the container insert, then the venting membrane is held in place, but the fragile venting membrane is torn or damaged due to rotation of the retaining disc
Solution Approach 1:
A foam liner is introduced as an intermediary component between the retainer disc and the venting membrane. The foam liner absorbs the rotational force during threading and prevents direct contact between the rotating retainer disc and the fragile venting membrane, thereby protecting the membrane from damage while still allowing the retainer disc to secure the membrane in place
Solution Approach 2:
The foam liner changes the mechanical interaction parameters by providing a compliant interface that absorbs rotational stress. This material intervention transforms the direct rigid contact into a buffered interaction, allowing the retainer disc to be threaded without transmitting damaging forces to the venting membrane
2Manufacturing precision
If the venting membrane is made fragile for precision venting, then venting control is improved, but damage during assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foam liner serves as a protective intermediary that shields the precision venting membrane from assembly damage. It allows the membrane to maintain its fragile, precise structure for accurate venting control while preventing mechanical damage during the threading process
3Ease of operation
If the retainer disc rotates during threadable securing, then the disc can be installed, but the venting membrane contacts the disc and gets damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The foam liner enables easy installation of the retainer disc by absorbing rotational forces during threading, while simultaneously protecting the venting membrane from contact damage. This intermediary allows the installation operation to proceed smoothly without compromising membrane integrity
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
The foam liner effectively shields the venting membrane from damage and prevents liquid crystallization, maintaining system integrity and functionality while allowing air passage without liquid leakage.
Implementation Method 1
the foam liner prevents any damage to the membrane as the disc is screwed into the open lower end of the wall member
Implementation Method 2
a flat, ring-shaped venting membrane... positioned at the lower end of the first annular shoulder so as to extend over the lower ends of the vent openings
Implementation Method 3
The foam liner also provides a resistance to crystallization of the membrane
Implementation Method 4
The valve stem is vertically movably positioned in the valve body between upper and lower positions with respect thereto
Data Source
AI summary
An insert is disclosed for use with a closed loop dispensing system. The insert includes a flat, ring-shaped venting member which permits air to pass therethrough but prevents liquid from passing therethrough. A foam liner is positioned at the underside of the venting membrane to shield or protect the venting membrane when the retainer disc of the insert is secured to the lower end of the insert.