Lid Adapter Air Gap for Gurgle-Free Bag Emptying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for handling and emptying foil bags stored in containers, such as buckets, are inefficient and often result in gurgling due to air gaps and negative pressure issues during the emptying process.
Innovation Solution
A lid adapter with a detachable and loosely connected design that creates an air gap between the lid and the adapter, featuring latching elements and a nozzle with a screw cap, allows for easy emptying without gurgling by preventing air from entering the container and accommodating different bag orientations and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lid adapter is tightly connected to the lid, then the sealing is improved, but gurgling occurs during emptying due to negative pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The lid adapter implements different connection qualities at different locations: a tight connection at the nozzle outlet for sealing, and a loose connection at the lid interface to allow air flow. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between sealing and easy emptying.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid adapter is segmented into distinct functional zones: a sealed nozzle portion for controlled dispensing and a loose-fitting lid portion for air intake. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of sealing where needed and air flow where required.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the lid adapter is tightly connected to the lid, then structural stability is improved, but air cannot flow into the container during emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between lid adapter and lid is designed with local quality variation: stable and secure at the engagement points for structural integrity, but loose enough to maintain an air gap for air flow. This resolves the contradiction between stability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid adapter incorporates dynamic characteristics by allowing controlled movement and maintaining a play connection at the lid interface, enabling air flow while preserving sufficient structural stability for normal operation.
3Reliability
If a secure connection is used between lid adapter and lid, then the adapter remains firmly in place, but gurgling occurs due to negative pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The connection security is optimized locally: firm engagement at the attachment points prevents adapter displacement, while a deliberate air gap at the lid interface prevents negative pressure buildup and eliminates gurgling.
Solution Approach 2:
The air gap between lid adapter and lid acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the need for secure connection and the need to prevent gurgling, allowing air flow while maintaining connection stability.
4Ease of operation
If the lid adapter is loosely connected to allow air flow, then gurgling is prevented, but connection stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Connection stability is differentiated locally: loose enough to allow air flow and prevent gurgling, but sufficiently secure through strategic engagement points to maintain operational stability.
Data Source
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Figure 7a~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a lid adapter (1) for attachment to a lid opening (2) of a lid designed to close an opening (23) of a plastic container in the form of a bucket, comprising: a spout (4) with a pouring opening (5) that can be closed with a closure, preferably a screw cap (6). In one aspect of the invention, the lid adapter (1) has at least one locking element (14a,b) for releasably attaching the lid adapter (1) to the lid opening (2). Further aspects of the invention relate to a lid with at least one such lid adapter (1) and a container comprising such a lid and a bucket-shaped container. The invention also relates to a method for emptying at least one foil bag.