Interlocking Fluid Cartridge Closure Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid cartridge systems face challenges in efficiently assembling and disassembling closure assemblies for resin and activator cartridges, leading to increased handling complexity and reduced efficiency, particularly due to the need for separate closures and potential improper removal issues.
Innovation Solution
A fluid cartridge system design that includes a first and second cartridge body configured in a side-by-side arrangement, with a closure assembly comprising a first plug and second closure coupling elements that interlock to form a collective closure assembly for simultaneous removal, reducing assembly time and minimizing improper closure removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If separate closures are used for resin and activator cartridges, then shelf life is improved by preventing premature reaction, but device complexity increases due to doubled number of closures requiring individual handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate closures (resin cartridge closure and activator cartridge closure) into a single integrated closure assembly that seals both cartridges simultaneously. This merging reduces the total number of closures from two to one, simplifying the system while maintaining the shelf life benefits of separate storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure assembly is designed as a segmented structure with a first closure portion for the resin cartridge and a second closure portion for the activator cartridge, connected together. This segmentation allows each portion to independently seal its respective cartridge while being removed as a single unit, resolving the contradiction between separate sealing and reduced complexity.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If separate cartridges are stored and connected before use, then permeation reaction is reduced improving shelf life, but assembly time increases due to additional handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The closure assembly merges the sealing functions of both cartridges into a single operational unit. By connecting the first and second closure portions together, the system allows both cartridges to be sealed and unsealed simultaneously, reducing the number of handling steps from separate closure operations to a single unified operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure portions are pre-connected to form an integrated assembly before use. This preliminary connection eliminates the need for operators to handle and connect separate closures during assembly, reducing assembly time while maintaining the shelf life advantages of separate cartridge storage.
3Reliability
If multiple separate closures are used, then each cartridge can be independently sealed, but productivity decreases due to increased assembly and disassembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple closure operations into a single integrated closure assembly that seals both cartridges simultaneously. This maintains the reliability of independent sealing for each cartridge while dramatically improving productivity by reducing the number of assembly and disassembly steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure assembly serves multiple functions: it seals both the resin and activator cartridges, provides structural connection between cartridges, and enables simultaneous removal of both closures. This multi-functionality maintains sealing reliability while improving assembly efficiency.
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 system simplifies the assembly and disassembly process by allowing for the collective removal of closures, improving efficiency and reducing waste by maintaining the shelf life of the fluid components through separate storage and connection of the cartridges.
Implementation Method 1
The first plug is received within the first outlet to seal the first outlet of the first cartridge
Implementation Method 2
The first cartridge body is configured to secure against a second cartridge body of the second cartridge in a side-by-side configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid cartridge system and method of removing a closure assembly from a first cartridge and a second cartridge includes a first cartridge body and a second cartridge body. A neck projects from the first cartridge body with a first outlet of the first cartridge and a second outlet of the second cartridge. A first closure having a first plug is received within the first outlet and includes a first closure coupling element. In addition, a second closure having a second plug is received within the second outlet and includes a second closure coupling element. The first closure coupling element is configured to interlock with the second closure coupling element such that securing the first cartridge body against the second cartridge body also connects the first closure to the second closure. As such, the first and second closures form the closure assembly for being collectively removed by an operator.