Single Use Valve Locking Mechanism Prevents Unauthorized Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-use valves do not effectively prevent unauthorized extraction and refilling of fluids from containers, lacking mechanisms to ensure the integrity and quality of the contents after a single use operation.
Innovation Solution
A single-use valve design that allows only one filling or extraction operation and then enters a permanently closed state, preventing further fluid passage in both directions, with a locking mechanism that ensures irreversible closure and tamper evidence, using a valve member that moves from a closed to an open position and back to a locked closed state, employing blocking surfaces and biasing members to secure the valve in a sealed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single use valve allows one filling operation, then the container can be filled, but subsequent refilling cannot be prevented without additional complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The valve incorporates a locking mechanism that automatically engages after the first opening operation. The locking member is preliminarily positioned to allow opening, but after the valve member moves from closed to open and back to closed position, the locking member irreversibly engages with the valve member, preventing any subsequent opening. This preliminary action of automatic locking after first use resolves the contradiction by providing reliable refilling prevention through an automated mechanism rather than complex external controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve performs self-locking through its own operational cycle. When the valve member moves from closed to open position and returns to closed position, this motion itself triggers the locking member to engage with the valve member, permanently preventing future opening. The valve serves itself by using its operational movement to activate its own locking mechanism, eliminating the need for separate complex control systems and resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
2Reliability
If a single use valve allows one extraction operation, then fluid can be extracted, but subsequent extraction cannot be prevented without additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is preliminarily configured to allow the valve member to move from closed to open position for extraction. After the valve member completes its motion cycle (open and return to closed), the locking member automatically engages with the valve member in a position that prevents any subsequent movement to open position. This preliminary locking action after first use provides reliable extraction prevention without requiring additional complex extraction-specific mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The same locking mechanism serves dual functions: it prevents both refilling (by blocking valve member movement from closed to open) and re-extraction (by the same blocking action). The locking member's engagement with the valve member creates a universal barrier against any fluid passage in either direction, resolving the contradiction by providing a single mechanism that handles multiple protection functions without increasing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the valve remains open after use, then fluid can pass freely, but unauthorized refilling and re-extraction become possible
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is preliminarily positioned to allow the valve member to move to open position for legitimate fluid passage. After the valve member completes its operational cycle (moving from closed to open and back to closed), the locking member automatically engages with the valve member, preliminarily preventing any future opening. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation during legitimate use while automatically ensuring reliability and fluid integrity protection after use through the self-activating locking mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A single use valve structured to allow only one fluid or gas or powder filling or extraction operation of a container such that neither a subsequent refilling nor a subsequent extraction operation can be performed. The single use valve may be used for extraction of ink from, or filling of ink to, a security ink container.