Spout Cage Prevents Flexible Packaging Blockage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The evacuation of fluids from flexible, collapsible polymeric packaging is often hindered by the flexible container walls lodging in the spout, blocking the passageway and preventing fluid access.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a spout with a detachable cage or grill that connects to the spout via a bayonet arrangement, featuring gaps that allow fluid to flow while preventing the container walls from blocking the spout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the flexible container is evacuated using suction, then the fluid can be removed from the container, but the container walls become lodged in the spout and block the passageway
Solution Approach 1:
The spout is segmented into multiple components: an outer spout body, an inner spout insert, and a cage structure with bars. This segmentation allows the inner spout to be positioned within the outer spout, creating a nested configuration that prevents container walls from blocking the fluid passageway while maintaining evacuation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The cage structure with intersecting bars acts as an intermediary element between the container walls and the spout passageway. The cage prevents the flexible container walls from directly contacting and blocking the spout opening, while still allowing fluid to pass through the gaps in the cage structure
2Ease of operation
If the spout is blocked by container walls, then fluid access is cut off, but removing the blockage requires stopping the evacuation process
Solution Approach 1:
The cage structure and inner spout insert are pre-installed in the spout assembly before the evacuation process begins. This preliminary configuration ensures that the protective structure is already in place to prevent wall blockage, eliminating the need to stop and clear blockages during the evacuation process
Solution Approach 2:
The design ensures continuous fluid flow through the spout by maintaining an open passageway that is protected from blockage. The cage structure with gaps allows fluid to continuously pass through while preventing container walls from entering and blocking the flow path
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
The system effectively prevents blockage of the spout during fluid evacuation, ensuring continuous fluid access and efficient emptying of the container.
Implementation Method 1
To access and dispense the fluid contents of the flexible container, the flexible container must be evacuated, generally using a vacuum or suction process
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to a system for evacuating fluid from a flexible container. The system includes a spout connected to a flexible container. A passageway within the spout is in fluid communication with an inside of the flexible container, and the passageway has a top end and a bottom end. An evacuation facilitating structure is positioned proximate the bottom end of the passageway and has a fluid channel therethrough. The evacuation facilitating structure blocks portions of the wall of the flexible container from entering the bottom end of the passageway and preventing fluid from evacuating the container via the passageway.