Tamper-Proof Closure Assembly for Flexible Container Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current closure systems for safety pods or beanbags, such as zips and Velcro, are not strong enough to withstand high impact forces and can be easily tampered with, posing a risk of accidental or intentional opening, especially in high-risk environments.
Innovation Solution
A closure assembly featuring a male and female connector member with flanges and a plug member, secured by L-shaped locking members and screw fasteners, requiring a tool for access, ensuring tamper-proof sealing and easy refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional zips or Velcro closures are used, then ease of operation for refilling is improved, but reliability and resistance to tampering deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The closure assembly is divided into separate components: a connector assembly with male and female connectors that provides the opening access, and a separate plug member that seals the opening. This segmentation allows the opening to remain accessible for refilling while the plug provides secure tamper-proof sealing when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is permanently attached to the container opening before use, establishing a secure base structure. The plug member is designed with pre-positioned locking features (locking protrusions) that automatically engage with the connector assembly when the plug is inserted, providing immediate tamper-proof sealing without requiring additional assembly steps.
2Ease of operation
If traditional zips or Velcro closures are used, then ease of operation is improved, but strength to withstand impact forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system separates the access function (connector assembly) from the sealing function (plug member). The connector assembly provides a strong, rigid structure with flanges that can withstand impact forces, while the plug member provides the seal. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure assembly combines multiple materials with different properties: the connector assembly and plug member are made from rigid materials (such as plastic or metal) to withstand impact forces, while incorporating sealing elements (such as gaskets or seals) to provide the necessary sealing function. This composite approach ensures both strength and sealing capability.
3Reliability
If the container is completely stitched closed for security, then tamper-proof sealing is improved, but ease of operation for refilling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system divides the container opening into two functional zones: the connector assembly that remains permanently attached to provide structural integrity and opening access, and the plug member that can be removed and reattached to provide sealing. This segmentation enables the container to maintain tamper-proof sealing while allowing controlled access for refilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug member provides localized sealing at the specific location where it engages with the connector assembly, rather than requiring the entire container to be sealed. The locking protrusions and recesses create a focused sealing zone that maintains tamper-proof security while leaving the rest of the container structure accessible for refilling operations.
4Ease of operation
If a simple opening is provided for refilling, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability against accidental opening deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is pre-installed on the container opening with locking features (locking recesses) that are ready to receive the plug member. When the plug is inserted, the locking protrusions automatically engage with these pre-positioned recesses, creating an immediate secure connection that prevents accidental opening without requiring additional user actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly acts as an intermediary structure between the container opening and the plug member. It provides a stable, pre-positioned interface with locking recesses that mediates the connection, ensuring that the plug member is securely retained while allowing controlled access for refilling operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A closure assembly (100) comprising a connector assembly (102), mountable at an opening (402) providing a fluid path through the opening (402). The connector assembly (102) comprises a male connector member (108), comprising a first tubular body (107, 126) having a first proximal end (110, 128, 142) portion and a first distal end portion (112) along a first central axis (200), and a first flange (114) portion protruding radially outwards at said first proximal end (110, 128, 142) portion, and a female connector member (106), comprising a second tubular body (107, 126) having a second proximal end (110, 128, 142) portion and a second distal end portion (112) along a second central axis (200), a second flange (138) portion protruding radially outwards at said second proximal end (110, 128, 142) portion and at least one diametrically traversing internal support member at said distal end portion (112), said female connector member (106) being configured to coaxially matingly and interlockingly engage with said male connector member (108), so as to securingly clamp at least a peripheral edge portion of the opening (402) of the flexible container (400) between said first and second flange (138) portion. The closure assembly (100) further comprises a plug member (104), said plug member (104) being configured to matingly and sealingly engage with said male connector member (108) and lockingly engage with said female connector during use.