Self-Sealing Bag Cap Assembly with Protective Retaining Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-sealing bag systems for dispensing flowable materials are costly due to multiple components, prone to connection failures, and susceptible to membrane damage during probe insertion, with existing configurations not providing adequate cushioning or protection for the sealing membrane.
Innovation Solution
A cap assembly with a body, sealing membrane, and retaining ring design featuring an inwardly angled sidewall structure and a retaining ring with a protective flange, which directs the probe toward the valve opening and provides additional cushioning and protection to the membrane, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring a secure seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate hose with connector and flexible membrane is used with the Sentry cap, then flowable material can be withdrawn through the cap, but the system requires many separate components which increase the cost and many connections are susceptible to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the hose, connector, and sealing membrane into a single pre-assembled unit that attaches to the cap body. This merging of previously separate components (hose, connector, membrane) eliminates multiple connection points and reduces the overall number of parts, directly addressing the reliability and complexity contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose, connector, and sealing membrane are pre-assembled and pre-positioned before attachment to the cap body. This preliminary assembly ensures proper alignment and connection integrity, reducing the risk of connection failures during operation and simplifying the installation process.
2Ease of operation
If sealing membranes are used with probe insertion, then flowable material can be dispensed, but the sealing membranes are prone to damage during the insertion of the probe therein
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a cushioning element positioned between the probe and the sealing membrane. This cushioning structure absorbs impact forces during probe insertion, protecting the membrane from damage while still allowing the probe to penetrate and dispense material effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning element acts as an intermediary between the probe and the sealing membrane. It mediates the interaction by distributing the mechanical stress of probe insertion, preventing direct contact between the probe tip and the vulnerable membrane area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the probe is inserted in a manner not directed at the valve opening, then insertion flexibility is maintained, but the sidewall structure does not provide sufficient cushioning to protect the membrane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements varying thickness in the sidewall structure, with increased thickness at specific locations where cushioning is needed. This local quality enhancement provides targeted protection to the membrane area most vulnerable to oblique probe insertion, while maintaining overall insertion flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The thickened sidewall structure is pre-positioned to provide cushioning before probe insertion occurs. This structural feature is designed in advance to accommodate and protect against off-center or oblique insertion angles, reducing membrane damage risk while preserving insertion versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cap assembly comprising a body, a sealing membrane and a retaining ring. The body includes a top surface, a bottom surface. A spout engagement channel is positioned on the bottom surface. An opening is provided through the body and includes a recessed circumferential channel and a membrane engaging flange positioned proximate the recessed circumferential channel. The sealing membrane covers the opening and includes a body engaging flange and a pierceable surface. The sealing membrane is positioned upon the membrane engaging flange so that the body engaging flange and the membrane engaging flange are in overlying engagement. The retaining ring includes a tab, a sealing membrane engagement surface and an inner wall structure opposite the sealing membrane engagement surface. The retaining ring is positioned with the sealing membrane engagement surface in overlying engagement with the sealing membrane. Extension of the tab into the recessed circumferential channel of the body releasably maintains said overlying engagement and biases the retaining ring against the membrane. The inner wall structure of the retaining ring extends radially inward beyond the membrane engaging flange of the sealing membrane, to in turn, protect the membrane.