Membrane Connector Structure for Leak-Safe Large Liquid Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for large containers in dialysis centers are expensive, complicated, and prone to unintentional leaks, with a high ecological footprint and difficulty in recycling, especially when used with single-use flexible pouches.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a base with a tubular wall and a flexible membrane with axial displacement capabilities, incorporating sealing and retaining mechanisms to ensure liquid-tight closure and easy manual operation, suitable for large volume containers, and compatible with recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional opening and closing devices (taps or spring valves) are used in connectors, then liquid flow control is achieved, but the design becomes complicated and expensive, and unintentional leaks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional tap or spring valve from the connector design entirely. Instead, it uses a simple membrane with an opening that allows liquid to pass through when the container is pressurized, eliminating complex moving parts while maintaining leak prevention through the membrane's sealing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes the natural pressure from the liquid container itself to open the membrane and allow flow. The system is self-activating - when liquid pressure builds up in the container, it automatically pushes the membrane open without requiring external control mechanisms, thereby simplifying the design while ensuring reliable operation.
2Quantity of substance
If connectors are designed for single-use containers with large volumes (300-950 liters), then they can serve the dialysis center needs, but manufacturing cost and ecological footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a simple, modular component that can be easily manufactured and potentially replaced or recycled. The basic structure consisting of a membrane, opening, and connector body allows for simplified production processes and material selection that reduces both manufacturing cost and ecological impact while maintaining functionality for large container volumes.
3Ease of operation
If connectors require manual operation for opening, then ergonomics are improved, but the force required to overcome product pressure may be excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane design creates a counterbalancing effect where the membrane's elasticity and the pressure differential work together to assist opening. When manual force is applied, the membrane flexes and the pressure difference helps push it open, reducing the net force required from the user while maintaining secure closed position during storage and transport.
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 connector is cost-effective, easy to manufacture, prevents leaks, and has a small ecological footprint, allowing for efficient use with large containers, including those of 300 to 950 liters, and facilitates ergonomic manual operation and recycling.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible wall being dimensioned to allow axial displacement of the tubing relative to the bottom wall
Implementation Method 2
the retaining means being constituted by a friction fit of the tenon and the inlet opening of the conduit of the tubing, so that the tenon is held by friction in the inlet of the conduit of the tubing
Implementation Method 3
These connectors are typically placed near the bottom of the container to allow the liquid to flow under the effect of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a connector (1) constituted by: base provided with a tubular wall (13) closed by a bottom wall (11) provided with at least one through-opening (111); a membrane provided with a flexible wall (23) having a central opening, a tubing (22) placed in the opening of the flexible wall; sealing means for preventing a liquid from leaving the connector through the tubing. The base and the membrane are fixed to each other in a liquid-tight manner. The flexible wall allows axial displacement of the tubing so that it can be moved between a closed position, in which a liquid cannot leave the connector through the conduit of the tubing, and an open position, in which a liquid from can leave the connector through the tubing. Retaining means (121, 222a) maintain the tubing (22) closed with a force that can be overcome manually to open it.