Automatic Shut-Off Valve Connector for Dispensing Conduit Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Residual flowable materials in dispensing apparatus conduits can lead to contamination and leakage when packages are removed, as existing systems lack effective automatic shut-off mechanisms to prevent backflow.
Innovation Solution
A package system with a flexible package and a connector featuring an automatic shut-off valve, such as a spring-biased ball valve or umbrella valve, that secures to the dispensing apparatus conduit, allowing flow during connection and preventing backflow when disconnected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual shut-off procedure is used, then the structure remains simple, but residual material leaks out when package is removed causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The connector performs automatic shut-off function without requiring manual operation. The spring-biased ball valve automatically closes when the connector is disconnected from the tap, preventing residual material leakage and maintaining sanitation without additional manual steps.
Solution Approach 2:
A ball valve acts as an intermediary component between the connector and the conduit. This intermediary element controls the flow by moving to block the passage when the connector is removed, effectively preventing backflow and contamination.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If automatic shut-off valve is added, then leakage prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased ball valve automatically responds to connector disconnection by closing the flow path. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates leakage without requiring external control systems, sensors, or power sources, thereby limiting complexity increase to only the mechanical valve components.
Solution Approach 2:
The shut-off function is extracted as a separate ball valve mechanism within the connector assembly. This modular approach allows the valve to be integrated into the existing connector design without fundamentally redesigning the entire dispensing system, thus minimizing overall complexity increase.
3Reliability
If connector remains attached after dispensing, then shut-off is ensured, but contamination risk increases from residual material in conduit
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic shut-off valve activates automatically upon connector disconnection, sealing the conduit end before residual material can leak out. This self-actuating shut-off mechanism ensures contamination prevention occurs automatically without requiring the connector to remain attached or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball valve is positioned and biased in advance to block the conduit opening. When the connector is removed, the pre-positioned valve immediately closes the passage, preventing residual material from flowing out and causing contamination before the disconnection is complete.
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
Ensures the conduit remains sealed when the package is removed, maintaining sanitation and preventing bacterial contamination by automatically closing the valve upon disconnection, thus preventing residual material from leaking out.
Implementation Method 1
The connector includes an automatic shut off valve, e.g., a spring-biased ball valve or an umbrella valve
Implementation Method 2
The automatic shut off valve, e.g., a spring-biased ball valve or an umbrella valve, is arranged to enable the flow of flowable material from the package into the conduit when the connector is secured to the fitment and the fitment is open, but prevents any flowable material in the conduit from flowing out of the conduit when the connector is disconnected from the fitment.
Data Source
AI summary
A package system for dispensing a flowable material into a conduit of a dispensing apparatus. The package system includes a package and a connector. The package, e.g., a bag-in-box, comprises a hollow bag and a tap fitment for enabling the contents of the bag to flow out when the fitment is open. The connector includes an automatic shut off valve and is arranged to be fixedly secured to the conduit of the dispensing apparatus and releasably secured to the fitment. The valve is arranged to enable the flow of flowable material from the package into the conduit when the fitment is open, while preventing any of that material from flowing out of the conduit when the connector is disconnected from the fitment.