Flexible Pouch Frame Fastening for Leak-Resistant Biopharma Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for securing flexible pouches containing biopharmaceutical fluids during shipping and storage are inefficient due to the need for multiple components and complex assembly processes, which increase time and costs, and provide inadequate retention surfaces, potentially leading to leakage.
Innovation Solution
A protecting system comprising two frames with a fastening system that uses a snap assembly with a backing part and cap, featuring shaft parts and a captive locker, which reduces assembly time and manufacturing costs while enhancing retention surface area and preventing fluid sloshing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screws are used to fasten the container parts, then the fastening strength is improved, but the number of pieces and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple fastening components (snap, cap, and integrated retention elements) into a single integrated fastening assembly that can be installed as one piece, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining fastening strength through the combined action of the snap engagement and integrated retention features.
2Ease of operation
If captive fasteners with grommets and plungers are used, then the fastening mechanism is improved, but the retention surface area remains very small
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a point-contact retention mechanism (small grommet surface) to a distributed retention system featuring multiple protrusions on the cap that engage with corresponding recesses in the snap, creating multiple retention points across a larger surface area and distributing the fastening load.
3Device complexity
If NYLON reusable snap-lock rivets are used, then the one-piece construction is achieved, but the retention surface area is almost inexistent
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating specific geometric features (protrusions and recesses) at critical locations on the snap and cap components, concentrating the retention function at these localized areas while maintaining the overall simplicity of the one-piece construction approach.
4Device complexity
If DELRIN blind rivets are used, then the one-piece construction is achieved, but a tool is required which increases assembly time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements self-service by designing the fastening system to be installed without specialized tools - the snap simply needs to be pressed into the cap, allowing assembly personnel to install the fasteners using only their hands, eliminating the need for rivet-setting tools and significantly reducing assembly time.
5Productivity
If a simple two-piece fastening system is used, then assembly time and manufacturing costs are reduced, but the security against leakage must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-forming the protrusions and recesses during molding, and by designing the snap-to-cap engagement to automatically create the sealing interface when assembled, ensuring leakage prevention is built into the basic engagement mechanism rather than requiring additional sealing components.
Data Source
AI summary
A protecting system for containing a biopharmaceutical fluid includes: a flexible pouch designed to contain a biopharmaceutical fluid; a protecting package including: two frames which respectively form a lower frame and an upper frame and which have a peripheral area; a fastening system able to clamp the two frames of the protecting package to each other, the frames sandwiching the flexible pouch. The fastening system includes at least an assembly only including: a snap including a backing part; and a cap including a washer. The lower and the upper frames of the protecting package are directly clamped between the washer of the cap and the backing part of the snap in a clamping position.