Package design for dosing systems and methods of manufacture thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dosing systems using peristaltic pumps face issues with expensive and laborious cleaning processes, fluid contamination, and inefficiency due to the need for a two-piece container and fitting that requires attachment and detachment, leading to untidiness and contamination during refilling.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic, single-piece dispensing container with a fitting that seamlessly contacts the container, featuring a conduit with a higher aspect ratio, allowing for seamless integration and easy replacement without the need for attachment or detachment, reducing contamination and refilling complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a two-piece container and fitting are used, then the container can be refilled by transporting large fluid reservoirs, but this causes fluid spillage, contamination, and untidiness during the refilling process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the container and fitting into a single integrated monolithic structure. The fitting is formed as an integral part of the container body, eliminating the need for separate attachment and detachment operations. This integration prevents fluid spillage and contamination during what would otherwise be a messy refilling process involving large reservoirs.
2Ease of repair
If a two-piece container and fitting are used, then the fitting can be detached for cleaning, but this requires laborious cleaning processes and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The container and fitting are combined into a monolithic structure that simplifies the overall device while maintaining cleaning capability. The integrated design eliminates the complexity of separate attachment mechanisms and reduces the number of parts that need to be handled during cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic design allows the entire container-assembly to be treated as a single cleanable unit. The structure enables efficient cleaning processes without requiring disassembly, as the integrated fitting and container can be cleaned together as one piece, reducing labor requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If a two-piece container and fitting are used, then the fitting can be attached to the container, but this causes fluid to flow out and contaminate the container, fitting, and dispensing equipment
Solution Approach 1:
By forming the fitting as an integral part of the container through monolithic construction, the patent eliminates the assembly step that causes contamination. The fitting and container are manufactured as a single piece, preventing fluid leakage and contamination that would occur during the attachment of separate components.
4Volume of stationary object
If the fitting has a lower aspect ratio, then the container volume is larger, but the fitting becomes less efficient for peristaltic pumping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different aspect ratio requirements to different parts of the structure. The container portion has a larger volume optimized for fluid storage, while the fitting portion has a higher aspect ratio optimized for peristaltic pumping efficiency. This local differentiation of geometric properties allows both storage capacity and pumping performance to be optimized simultaneously.
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 solution enables efficient and tidy operation by allowing for easy installation and replacement of the dispensing container, minimizing fluid spillage and contamination, and eliminating the need for transporting large fluid reservoirs for refilling, thus improving the overall efficiency and hygiene of the dosing system.
Implementation Method 1
the rollers 110A, 110B, 110C and 110D each contact the fitting 106 and squeeze it to force out a portion of the fluid contained within the fitting
Implementation Method 2
As the fitting 106 returns to its original shape, it sucks additional liquid from a container
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a dispensable container comprising a container for a fluid; and a fitting for discharging the fluid from the container; wherein the dispensable container is monolithic and where the container and the fitting contact each other seamlessly; and wherein the fitting comprises a conduit that has a higher aspect ratio than the container.