Pliable Membrane Closure Prevents Fluid Leaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid storage and dispensing containers lack an efficient mechanism for regulating the flow of fluid materials, leading to issues such as leaks or dribbles when pressure is applied, and fail to maintain a clean surface after use.
Innovation Solution
A package with a pliable membrane made of film, featuring a normally closed discharge aperture defined by slits or a domed center portion, is coupled between the container and the dispensing cap, allowing fluid to flow only when pressure is applied, and returning to a closed position to prevent leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a container is designed without a flow regulation mechanism, then the structure is simple and ease of manufacture is improved, but fluid flow control deteriorates leading to leaks and dribbles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pliable membrane made of thin film material that forms a normally closed discharge aperture. This flexible film structure provides effective fluid flow control through its ability to deform under pressure, transitioning from a closed state to an open state when the container is squeezed, thereby preventing leaks while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge aperture is designed to be dynamically controllable rather than statically fixed. The pliable membrane allows the aperture to automatically transition between closed and open states based on applied pressure, providing adaptive fluid flow regulation that responds to user interaction without requiring complex mechanical valves
2Ease of operation
If a discharge aperture remains open for fluid dispensing, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors worsen due to leaks and dribbles when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The pliable membrane is pre-configured in a normally closed state that actively prevents fluid leakage before dispensing is needed. This preliminary closed position counteracts the potential harmful effect of leaks, and the membrane transitions to an open state only when deliberate pressure is applied for controlled dispensing
Solution Approach 2:
The pliable membrane provides self-regulating flow control by automatically responding to applied pressure. When the container is squeezed, the membrane self-activates to open the aperture for dispensing; when pressure is released, it self-closes to prevent leaks, eliminating the need for separate valve mechanisms
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 effectively regulates fluid flow, preventing leaks and ensuring a clean surface after use by allowing fluid to dispense only under pressure and returning to a closed position when pressure is released.
Implementation Method 1
When fluid material in the interior region of the container is pressurized the domed center portion will move automatically past an over center position to present a concave surface facing downwardly towards the interior region of the container while opening the slit(s) defining the normally closed discharge aperture to allow fluid material to flow under pressure from the interior region of the container into the discharge passageway formed in the closure
Implementation Method 2
The discharge aperture formed in the pliable membrane is configured to provide means for regulating flow of fluid material from the interior region of the container into the discharge passageway through the normally closed discharge aperture in the event the container is squeezed to pressurize fluid material stored in the interior region of the container
Data Source
AI summary
A package includes a container and a closure arranged to close an opening into an interior region formed in the container. The closure includes a dispensing cap formed to include a body adapted to be coupled to a neck of the container and a product-discharge spout coupled to the body to discharge product stored in the container that passes from the interior region of the container into a discharge passageway formed in the product-discharge spout.