Port Septum Using Ethylene-A-Olefin Multi-Block Copolymer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ports with rubber or silicone septa are costly and require complex assembly procedures, limiting their use in flexible packaging applications due to high material costs and multi-stage production processes.
Innovation Solution
A port with a septum made from ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer, which provides elasticity and performance similar to or superior to traditional silicone or rubber septa, reducing material costs and simplifying production with fewer parts and steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rubber or silicone septa are used in conventional ports, then the septum provides adequate elasticity and sealing performance, but the material cost becomes excessively high (greater than the cost of the entire port/container assembly)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional rubber/silicone to ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer, which maintains the required elasticity and sealing performance while significantly reducing material cost. The copolymer's molecular structure provides appropriate mechanical properties for the septum application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cost-effective polymer material that can be produced economically at scale, replacing expensive rubber/silicone septa. The focus is on creating an affordable single-use or limited-use septum that meets functional requirements without the high material costs of traditional options.
2Reliability
If rubber or silicone septa are used in conventional ports, then adequate sealing is achieved, but production requires complex multi-stage assembly procedures to mechanically secure and properly fit the septum into the port
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the septum and port into a single molded component rather than separate parts requiring assembly. The ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer is molded directly into the port structure, eliminating the need for separate septum installation steps and reducing assembly complexity to a single-stage process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a multi-block copolymer structure with distinct functional segments - the ethylene blocks provide structural integrity and sealing, while the α-olefin blocks provide elasticity and flexibility. This molecular segmentation allows the material to perform multiple functions simultaneously, simplifying the overall design and assembly process.
3Reliability
If rubber or silicone septa are used in conventional ports, then sealing function is provided, but the number of parts increases and production steps multiply, limiting packaging applications
Solution Approach 1:
The ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the septum sealing surface, structural support for the port, and flexibility for container deformation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and enables broader application across different flexible packaging types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite polymer structure (ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer) that combines the advantages of different polymer segments to achieve both rigidity for sealing and flexibility for deformation. This composite material approach enables the septum to adapt to various packaging configurations and application requirements.
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 ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer septum offers a cost-effective and efficient solution for flexible packaging applications by providing a durable, hermetic seal that can be easily integrated into port designs, reducing production complexity and material costs while maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
The ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer has sufficient elasticity to provide a septum with similar performance, or improved performance, compared to conventional membranes such as silicone and/or rubber.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a port. In an embodiment, a port is provided and includes (i) an optional top portion, (ii) a base, and a channel extending through the optional top portion and the base for passage of a flowable material, and (iii) a septum extending across the channel. The septum comprises an ethylene/α-olefin multi-block copolymer.