Pouch Spout Adapter with Securing Structure for Plug Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adapters for dispensing fluid from inverted pouches in dispensing machines often disengage due to gravitational force and fluid pressure, leading to undesirable fluid leakage.
Innovation Solution
An adapter with a body and head that displaces the spout plug between open and closed positions, secured by a securing structure to prevent disengagement, facilitating easy engagement and disengagement with the spout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the adapter is inserted inside the spout to enable fluid dispensing, then the fluid flow is facilitated, but the adapter may get disengaged due to gravitational force and fluid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion inserted into the spout, a head portion engaging the plug, and separate securing structures (lugs with pins) that independently secure the assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing structures (lugs and pins) are pre-configured on the adapter body to engage with corresponding features on the spout before fluid dispensing begins. This preliminary engagement prevents the adapter from disengaging under subsequent gravitational and fluid pressure loads.
2Reliability
If the adapter is secured firmly to the spout to prevent disengagement, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for engagement and disengagement may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates a spring-loaded plug mechanism that dynamically responds to insertion forces. The spring allows the plug to be easily pushed into the spout during engagement, while the securing structures (pins and lugs) provide static, reliable retention during operation. This dynamic element facilitates easy operation without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation of the securing function (pins and lugs) from the plug-displacement function allows independent optimization. The pins provide firm securing, while the head and spring mechanism provide easy plug displacement, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the adapter includes securing structures to prevent disengagement, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the body serves as both the structural framework and the mounting surface for securing structures; the lugs with pins combine retention and alignment functions; the head integrates plug engagement and spring housing. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex securing features (pins and lugs) are localized only where needed on the adapter body, rather than distributing complexity throughout the entire device. The simple cylindrical body remains uncomplicated, with added features only at specific locations to provide the necessary securing function.
Data Source
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AI summary
An adapter (100) to displace a plug (242) of a spout (206) for a pouch (200) between a closed position and an open position includes a body (102) adapted to be extended inside the tubular structure (222), and a head (106) adapted to engage with the plug (242). The head (106) displaces the plug (242) between the closed position and the open position in response to an extension and retraction of the adapter (100) inside the spout (206). Furthermore, the adapter (100) includes at least one securing structure (160) coupled to the body (102) and configured to engage with the spout (206) to secure the adapter (100) with the spout (206) to retain the plug (242) in the open position.