Membrane Container Connector for Leak-Tight Manual Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for large containers, particularly in the medical field for dialysis centers, are expensive to manufacture, prone to unintentional leaks, and lack eco-friendly materials for easy recycling.
Innovation Solution
A connector composed of a base with a tubular wall and a membrane with a flexible annular wall, featuring sealing means and retaining mechanisms to ensure liquid-tight closure and easy manual operation, while being cost-effective and recyclable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex opening and closing devices such as taps or spring valves are used, then the connector can control liquid flow, but the manufacturing cost increases and the risk of unintentional leaks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex tap or spring valve mechanism entirely and replaces it with a simple membrane closure system. The membrane itself, when pressed against the opening by retaining means, provides the sealing function without requiring additional valve components, thereby eliminating the complexity and leak risks associated with traditional opening and closing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible membrane as the closure element instead of rigid valve mechanisms. This thin film can be easily sealed against the opening and controlled by simple retaining means, providing reliable leak prevention while maintaining structural simplicity. The membrane's flexibility allows it to conform to the opening and create an effective seal without complex mechanical structures.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional connectors are used, then connection functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost is high and recyclability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional components: a base structure, a membrane element, and retaining means. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using simple, cost-effective processes and enables easy assembly. The modular design also facilitates recycling, as components can be separated and processed individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters and structural parameters of the connector components to optimize both manufacturing cost and sealing performance. By selecting appropriate materials with suitable physical properties and designing components with optimized dimensions and geometries, the connector achieves reliable liquid-tight sealing while maintaining low manufacturing costs and good recyclability.
3Ease of operation
If the connector is designed for manual operation, then ergonomics are improved, but the force required to overcome retaining means must be carefully controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means are designed to provide dynamic control of the membrane position, allowing the connector to maintain sealing under normal conditions while enabling easy manual opening when needed. The retaining force can be overcome by applying sufficient manual force, and the system transitions smoothly between closed and open states, providing both security and ease of operation.
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 simple to manufacture, inexpensive, and leak-proof, with a small ecological footprint, making it suitable for single-use containers and easy recycling, while maintaining functionality for large volume containers.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible wall being dimensioned to allow axial displacement of the tubing relative to the bottom wall so that the tubing can be moved between a closed position and an open position
Implementation Method 2
sealing means for preventing, when they are active, a liquid contained in the container from leaving the connector through the conduit of the tubing
Implementation Method 3
retaining means being provided to maintain the tubing in the closed position with a force that is sufficient to resist the pressure exerted by a product contained in a container
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~4c
Figure 5~6
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.