Self-venting Elastomeric Closure for Oral Syringes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastomeric closures for vials and containers often create a vacuum when liquid is drawn, limiting flow due to failure in air pressure equilibration, causing fluid to be pulled out as the implement is withdrawn.
Innovation Solution
A self-venting, self-resealing pre-cut elastomeric closure with a dished septum featuring a cross cut and chord cuts that flex to create open venting areas when a liquid transfer implement is inserted, allowing air passage and resealing upon withdrawal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the elastomeric closure is made air-tight to seal the container, then the sealing reliability is improved, but air pressure equilibration fails causing vacuum formation that limits liquid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The closure transitions from a static sealed state to a dynamic vented state during liquid transfer. The elastomeric material and pre-cut configuration allow the closure to dynamically adjust its sealing properties based on the presence of a liquid transfer implement, enabling air pressure equilibration while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure changes its physical state from sealed to vented by altering the configuration of the elastomeric material. When a liquid transfer implement is inserted, the pre-cut sections allow the material to deform and create air passages, changing the pressure equilibrium parameter while maintaining the sealing function.
2Productivity
If pre-cut vents are provided in the elastomeric closure to allow air passage, then air pressure equilibration is improved, but the closure cannot maintain an air-tight seal
Solution Approach 1:
The closure dynamically adjusts between sealed and vented states based on the presence of a liquid transfer implement. The pre-cut configuration enables the elastomeric material to flex and create air passages only when needed, maintaining sealing reliability when no implement is present while allowing air pressure equilibration during liquid transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure automatically activates its venting function when a liquid transfer implement is inserted, without requiring external control. The pre-cut elastomeric configuration self-activates to create air passages in response to the mechanical stimulus of implement insertion, and automatically reseals when the implement is removed.
3Reliability
If the closure grips the liquid transfer implement tightly to seal, then sealing reliability is improved, but vacuum forms as liquid is drawn limiting further flow
Solution Approach 1:
The closure dynamically responds to the insertion of a liquid transfer implement by altering its sealing configuration. The pre-cut elastomeric sections allow the closure to maintain grip on the implement while simultaneously creating air passages, enabling both sealing reliability and ease of liquid withdrawal by allowing air pressure equilibration.
4Productivity
If multiple dosing operations are performed, then the quantity of substance dispensed is improved, but the elastomeric closure degrades and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is pre-configured with cuts in the elastomeric material before use, preparing it for repeated venting and sealing cycles. This preliminary configuration enables the closure to maintain its structural integrity and sealing capability across multiple dosing operations by allowing controlled deformation during each use.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure undergoes reversible parameter changes during each dosing operation, flexing to create air passages and then returning to its sealed state. This reversible deformation, enabled by the pre-cut configuration, allows the closure to withstand multiple cycling operations without permanent degradation or leakage.
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
Enables free liquid withdrawal without vacuum impediment and effective resealing, suitable for viscous medications, allowing multiple dosing without significant leakage or seal degradation.
Implementation Method 1
The flap areas are elastically displaceable from a normally closed condition to an open venting condition in response to insertion of a liquid transfer implement
Implementation Method 2
self-resealing pre-cut elastomeric closure... allowing air passage and resealing upon withdrawal
Data Source
AI summary
A self-venting self-resealing pre-cut elastomeric closure for vials, bottles and the like, comprising a dished elastomeric septum supported for closing an opening in a container, a cut across the dished elastomeric septum, and additional cuts defining with the cross cut one or more flap areas elastically displaceable from a closed condition to a venting condition in response to insertion of a liquid transfer implement through the central area of the septum dish.