Movable-Plug Pouch Spout for Adapter Retention During Inverted Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adapters in pouches disengage from spouts due to gravitational force and fluid pressure when the pouches are inverted in dispensing machines, leading to inefficient fluid dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A spout design with a tubular structure and a movable plug, coupled with arms, allows secure attachment of an adapter by engaging with pins through radial openings, preventing disengagement during fluid dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an adapter is inserted inside a spout to enable fluid dispensing, then fluid dispensing is enabled, but the adapter may get disengaged from the spout due to gravitational force and fluid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The spout is divided into two functional portions: a first portion that receives and secures the adapter, and a second portion that allows fluid passage. This segmentation enables the spout to simultaneously provide secure adapter retention and efficient fluid dispensing by distributing these functions to different structural zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is nested inside the spout structure, with the spout's first portion enclosing the adapter. This nested configuration allows the adapter to be securely retained within the spout while maintaining the ability to dispense fluid through the structured opening, preventing disengagement due to gravity or pressure.
2Productivity
If the pouch is arranged in an inverted position for dispensing, then efficient fluid dispensing is achieved, but the adapter disengages from the spout due to gravity and pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The spout structure incorporates localized features with different properties: the first portion has a configuration optimized for adapter retention (with the opening for receiving the adapter), while the second portion is structured for fluid flow. This local differentiation allows the spout to maintain reliable adapter connection in the inverted position while ensuring efficient fluid dispensing.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple spout structure is used, then manufacturing is easier, but the adapter cannot be securely retained during dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The spout structure serves multiple functions within a single component: it provides structural support, enables adapter retention through its first portion with the opening, and facilitates fluid dispensing through the second portion. This multi-functionality allows a relatively simple spout structure to achieve both secure adapter retention and efficient fluid dispensing without requiring complex additional components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The spout for a bag container includes a tubular structure having a first portion adapted to be arranged inside the bag container and defining a first port at a first axial end of the tubular structure, and a second portion adapted to be arranged outside the bag container and defining a second port at a second axial end of the tubular structure. The spout includes a plug coupled to the first portion and adapted to be displaced by an adapter of a dispensing machine between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the plug is arranged abutting the first axial end and covering the first port and in the second position, the plug is arranged away from the first axial end. The second portion includes at least one opening extending in a radial direction through a wall of the tubular structure.