Flexible Liner Wringing Device for Complete Evacuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bulk container liners face challenges in completely evacuating contents due to folding liner material blocking evacuation paths and the need for additional pressurizing equipment, leading to residual material remaining inside.
Innovation Solution
A flexible liner with an integrated wringing device featuring a housing with elastomeric rollers and a pneumatic air gear motor that compresses and guides the liner to ensure near-complete evacuation by forcing contents towards the outlet, utilizing a central compression channel and bevel gears for synchronized roller movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pressurized regions are used to lift or angle the bottom of the liner to move contents closer to the outlet, then evacuation efficiency is improved, but additional pressurizing equipment is required and large quantities of content still remain within the liner
Solution Approach 1:
The wringing device combines multiple functions (compression, guiding, and evacuation assistance) into a single integrated unit that attaches to the liner outlet. The device merges the roles of pressurization and evacuation guidance into one mechanism, eliminating the need for separate pressurizing equipment while maintaining evacuation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The wringing device utilizes the liner's own structure and the evacuation process itself to achieve compression and content movement. By positioning the device at the outlet and using the vacuum force already present in the system, the device leverages existing system resources rather than requiring additional external equipment.
2Ease of operation
If a centrally located top fitment is used for vacuum hose positioning, then evacuation can be initiated, but the liner material folds and contacts another portion of the liner blocking the evacuation path as contents are evacuated
Solution Approach 1:
The wringing device introduces a new spatial dimension for evacuation by positioning the vacuum hose at the liner outlet rather than at the top center. This dimensional change in hose positioning prevents the liner material from folding and blocking the evacuation path, as the vacuum force is applied from the outlet端 rather than the top端.
Solution Approach 2:
The wringing device acts as an intermediary component between the vacuum hose and the liner contents. It provides a structured interface at the outlet that guides the evacuation process and prevents liner material from interfering with the vacuum path, thereby maintaining evacuation completeness.
3Quantity of substance
If the liner is completely evacuated using conventional methods, then all contents are removed, but the process requires additional equipment and results in significant residual material remaining
Solution Approach 1:
The wringing device combines compression and evacuation assistance functions into a single integrated unit attached to the liner outlet. This merging of functions achieves complete content removal without requiring separate pressurizing equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining evacuation effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A liner L has a liner body (11) with a front wall (12), rear wall (16), bottom wall (13), a top wall (14). The top wall also includes a tubular excess liner material or chute (19) located close to the rear wall and which includes a filling fitment (20) with a fitment cap (21). The liner also has a cylindrical, hose content inlet/outlet port or bottom fitment (23). The liner may include a gap-filler or filler strip (70) of foam material extending outwardly from a position closely adjacent the outlet fitment. The filler strip is mounted to the front wall directly over and closely adjacent the outlet fitment. The filler strip may taper so that at least a majority of the strip's longitudinal length or height so as to increase in its lateral width as it approaches the outlet fitment, thereby increasing the material volume of strip material.