Closure assembly for bean bags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current closure systems for flexible containers like safety pods and beanbags are not tamper-proof and can burst open under high impact forces, posing a risk of accidental or intentional access, especially in high-risk environments, leading to safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A closure assembly featuring a connector assembly with a male and female tubular body and a plug member, which includes radially opposed locking members and counterbores to prevent human access, allowing secure sealing and filling while requiring a tool for opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If zip or Velcro closures are used for filling access, then ease of operation for refilling is improved, but reliability and security against tampering deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The closure assembly is divided into separate components: a closure member with locking mechanism that can be independently operated for refilling, and a sealed container body. This segmentation allows the filling function to be separated from the sealing function, enabling easy refilling through the closure member while maintaining overall security through the locked state of the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member acts as an intermediary between the filling operation and the container interior. It provides a controlled access point that can be temporarily opened for refilling using the integrated tool, then securely closed again. This intermediary mechanism prevents direct access to the container interior while allowing authorized refilling operations.
2Reliability
If stitch-up closure is used to prevent access, then reliability and security against tampering are improved, but ease of operation for refilling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is pre-equipped with an integrated opening tool and locking mechanism during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the closure to be securely locked during normal use (providing security) while enabling authorized users to open it for refilling using the integrated tool, without requiring destructive stitching or permanent sealing methods.
3Ease of operation
If simple closure is used for filling access, then ease of operation is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to risk of accidental opening under impact forces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism applies a preliminary counteracting force to prevent accidental opening. The closure member is designed with a locked state that resists opening forces, and the integrated opening tool requires a deliberate counteracting action (insertion and manipulation of the tool) to release the lock. This preliminary anti-action prevents accidental opening under impact forces while allowing intentional opening for refilling.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
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.