Two-Part Spout Plug Assembly for Aseptic Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aseptic pouch filling technologies face challenges in preventing leakage when the pouch is inverted, particularly when the cap and plug are removed, and incorporating flow inhibitors into the spout can complicate the filling process.
Innovation Solution
A two-part plug assembly with a flow inhibitor, comprising a plug and a plug insert, is used to seal the spout before filling, allowing removal and replacement in an aseptic environment, ensuring the plug insert remains fixedly engaged to prevent leakage during inversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flow inhibitor is incorporated into the spout to prevent leakage when inverted, then leakage prevention is improved, but the filling process becomes more complex due to the need to fill through the flow inhibitor
Solution Approach 1:
The plug assembly is divided into two separate parts: a plug and a plug insert. The plug insert containing the flow inhibitor remains fixedly engaged with the spout after filling, while the plug can be removed. This segmentation allows the flow inhibitor to stay in place during filling through a larger opening, eliminating the complexity of filling through the inhibitor while maintaining leakage prevention when inverted.
2Reliability
If a plug assembly is sealingly engaged to the spout before filling, then sterility is maintained, but the plug must be removed and replaced which complicates the process
Solution Approach 1:
The flow inhibitor function is extracted from the removable plug and placed in a separate plug insert that remains fixedly engaged with the spout. This allows the plug to be simply removed and replaced for filling operations while the flow inhibitor stays in place, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining sterility during the plug removal and replacement process.
Data Source
AI summary
A two-part plug assembly is disclosed for a drip-proof spout on an aseptic flexible container for flowable materials. The two-part plug assembly may include a plug and a plug insert, wherein the plug insert may include a flow inhibitor such as a baffle or valve. In a first step, the plug assembly is removably placed in a first position on a spout prior to aseptic filling. During filling, the plug assembly is removed. After filling, the plug insert assembly is replaced in a second position further down the spout wherein the plug insert fixedly engages the spout. When fixedly engaged to the spout, the plug insert remains inside the spout when the plug is removed prior to a user dispensing the flowable material. The flow inhibitor in the plug insert provides protection from leaking when the flexible container is inverted or inadvertently squeezed.