Spout and Plug Assembly With Pre-Tensioned Valve Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spout designs for liquid pouches suffer from unreliable closure mechanisms and high production costs due to complex molds, leading to inconsistent sealing and increased expenses.
Innovation Solution
The spout and plug element are manufactured as separate parts, allowing for high pre-tensioning of the valve to ensure reliable closure, using resilient arms and a plunger rod to maintain the seal, and can be injection molded simply, reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the spout and plug element are manufactured as a single integral part, then the device structure is simplified, but the closing reliability is insufficient and pre-tensioning cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate components: the spout and the plug element. The plug element is manufactured separately and then inserted into the spout, allowing for pre-tensioning of the spring elements and ensuring reliable closing action. This segmentation enables the valve to be pre-compressed against the valve seat, which cannot be achieved if the parts are integral.
2Reliability
If the spout and plug element are manufactured as separate parts, then sufficient pre-tensioning can be achieved for reliable closure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While the spout and plug element are manufactured separately, they are designed to combine into a unified structure. The plug element inserts into the spout and forms an integrated closing mechanism, merging the functions of both parts while maintaining the benefits of separate manufacturing for pre-tensioning.
3Productivity
If a complex mold is used to produce the device as a single part, then the device can be manufactured in one step, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into two simpler injection molding operations: one for the spout and one for the plug element. These simpler molds are less expensive than a single complex mold, and the separate parts are assembled by inserting the plug element into the spout, achieving both cost savings and functional requirements.
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 solution provides a reliable and cost-effective closure mechanism for liquid pouches, ensuring consistent sealing without the need for additional caps and minimizing environmental impact by eliminating removable caps.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of resilient arms; In a neutral coupled position the resilient arms are pre-tensioned, to exert a force on the valve and close the inlet of the outlet tube
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
An assembly (1) of a spout (11) and a plug element (21), the spout (11) comprising: • a sealboat (111) for closing a pouch (31) thereto, and • an outlet tube (112) extending with respect to the sealboat; • the sealboat and the outlet tube integral with each other, the plug element (21) comprising: • a valve (211) for closing the inlet (114) of the outlet tube in a neutral coupled position (N); • resilient arms (212, 213); and a plunger rod (214) for connecting the resilient arms to the valve, the resilient arms unreleasably coupled to the spout, in a neutral coupled position the plug element extends away from the outlet tube and the resilient arms are pre-tensioned to exert a force on the valve, to close the inlet of the outlet tube with said valve; the resilient arms formed to move the valve away from the inlet upon compression of the resilient arms, to release the inlet.