Plastic Tap With Elastomeric Valve for Bag-in-Box
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing taps for 'bag-in-box' vessels are not completely made of plastic, containing metallic springs that hinder recycling and lack a reliable tamper-proof seal, allowing for potential product tampering and oxidation due to air ingress.
Innovation Solution
A plastic-made tap with an internal thrusting membrane and high-seal elastomeric materials for automatic opening and closing, equipped with a tamper-preventing seal and an optional welded aluminum operculum for aseptic applications, which adapts to various connectors without modifying them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metallic spring is used in the tap mechanism for automatic closing, then the reliability of automatic closure is improved, but the recyclability and ecological compatibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the metallic spring from the tap mechanism and replaces it with a completely plastic alternative. The elastic dome-shaped element made of elastomeric material performs the same automatic closing function without requiring any metallic components, enabling the entire tap assembly to be made of recyclable plastic materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from metal to plastic/elastomeric material while maintaining the functional parameter of elastic recovery. The elastomeric material's ability to deform and recover provides the same automatic closing action as a metallic spring would, but with the added benefit of recyclability.
2Ease of manufacture
If only a small dust-preventing plug is provided, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of tamper prevention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary sealing action using a plug that is inserted into a conical seat before the tap is activated. This preliminary seal prevents tampering and contamination from the outset, and the conical geometry ensures that any removal attempt is evident, providing reliable tamper prevention while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the tap is made completely of plastic material, then the recyclability is improved, but the resistance to aseptic treatments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects specific plastic materials and processing parameters that enable the tap to withstand aseptic treatments. The plastic components are designed to maintain their structural and functional properties after exposure to sterilization processes, achieving both recyclability and aseptic treatment resistance through careful material parameter selection.
4Reliability
If a welded aluminum operculum is added for aseptic applications, then the aseptic treatment resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the operculum (protective cover) with the tap body through welding, creating an integrated assembly that provides enhanced aseptic protection. This merging of components achieves the desired aseptic treatment resistance while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through functional integration.
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 tap is recyclable, reduces air ingress and oxidation, provides a strong oxygen barrier, and ensures product integrity with irreversible tamper evidence, suitable for aseptic applications.
Implementation Method 1
an internal thrusting membrane, which is the main member of the tap, which allows performing automatic closing and opening operations of the tap without using metallic springs
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Tap (1) for delivering liquids from a vessel comprising: an elongated supporting body (2) equipped with an inclined internal contact surface (2.1) next to its delivery end (OA); an upper closing element and tamper-preventing seal (6) which closes the delivery end (OA) of the supporting body (2); a pin (4) centrally placed inside the supporting body (2) and equipped with an O-ring (17) adapted to sealingly engage the inclined internal contact surface (2.1) when the tap (1) is closed; a dome-shaped elastic valve element (3) operatively connected to the pin (4) at the opposite end (OB) with respect to the delivery end (OA) of the supporting body (2), the dome-shaped elastic valve element (3) performing the automatic closure of the tap (1); and a plate (5) operatively connected to the dome-shaped elastic valve element (3).