Tap Assembly Cover Prevents Inadvertent Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing taps face issues with accidental release due to pressure differentials and spoilage of oxygen-sensitive fluids during storage and transportation, with current solutions either being inconvenient or expensive.
Innovation Solution
A tap assembly design featuring a body with a bore, an actuation member, a cover with a tamper evident indicator, and a piercer with projections to minimize the force required to pierce a sterility membrane, maintaining aseptic conditions and preventing fluid spoilage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steam autoclaving is used to achieve sterility, then sterility is improved, but internal vacuum is created causing inadvertent tap actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a cover that pre-engages with the tap body to seal the bore before the tap is actuated. This cover is removed or displaced only when intended use occurs, preventing inadvertent actuation while maintaining sterility throughout storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover acts as an intermediary element between the外部环境 and the sterile internal environment of the tap. It maintains the sterile condition created by autoclaving while preventing unintended activation, resolving the contradiction between maintaining sterility and preventing inadvertent operation.
2Reliability
If tolerances are increased to prevent inadvertent release, then tap security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tap assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a cover portion that provides security, an actuation member for operation, and a body housing. The cover can be removed or displaced to enable actuation, providing both security during storage and ease of operation during use without requiring increased tolerances.
3Reliability
If nitrogen purging is used to prevent fluid oxidation, then fluid quality is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable sterile cover that is discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for expensive nitrogen purging systems while maintaining fluid quality, as the cover provides adequate protection against oxidation during storage and transport without requiring complex gas management infrastructure.
4Reliability
If a cover is added to prevent inadvertent actuation, then tap security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is merged with the actuation mechanism itself, rather than being a separate locking system. The cover's removal or displacement directly enables the actuation member to function, combining the security feature with the operation mechanism in a single integrated component that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Tap assembly configured to resist release of the tap when an internal vacuum is applied to the tap and to maintain aseptic conditions of fluid within an attached fluid container before first use of the tap. The tap assembly having an actuation member configured to cover at least a portion of a bore within a body; a cover configured to substantially enclose and abut a proximal portion of the actuation member to prevent actuation of the actuation member by engaging with the body; and a piercer element positioned on an end of the actuation member proximal to a sterility membrane sealed over the bore and including at least one projection to pierce the sterility membrane when the actuation member is actuated during first use of the tap assembly.