Thermoplastic Container With Threaded Tapered Connector Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tapered connectors in hermetically sealed containers do not always provide an adequate seal, particularly for medical and laboratory instruments, and lack an easily removable cap that can accommodate various implements with enhanced sealing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A hermetically sealed thermoplastic container with a removable cap and a neck portion featuring a continuous external thread and a tapered female connector, designed to receive a tapered male connector, ensuring a secure and enhanced sealing capacity, and a frangible web for easy cap removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tapered connectors (lock or slip) are used, then the container can be hermetically sealed, but the sealing capacity is inadequate and leaks may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional zones: the tapered engagement surface for alignment and initial connection, the continuous external thread for progressive sealing engagement, and the sealed bore for fluid passage. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally, with the thread providing continuous sealing contact along the tapered surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The container neck is pre-configured with a tapered internal surface and continuous external thread that automatically engages with the male connector upon insertion. The thread profile is designed to progressively seal the connection as the connector is inserted, eliminating the need for separate sealing steps and ensuring reliable sealing from the outset.
2Reliability
If the cap is made secure to maintain sealing, then leakage is prevented, but easy removal and access become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cap transition system provides dynamic sealing: the frangible seal maintains hermetic sealing during storage and transport, while the breakable frangible wall allows easy cap removal when needed. The seal transitions from a fixed frangible state to a flexible membrane state after breaking, maintaining sealing during use while enabling easy access.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible seal is designed to be discarded (broken) during the first cap removal to enable access, while the flexible membrane seal is recovered and maintained for continued sealing during use. The system transitions from a disposable frangible seal to a reusable flexible seal.
3Measurement precision
If the access aperture is sized for specific implements, then precision is improved, but compatibility with various tapered connectors (ISO standards) is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered connector design with continuous external thread provides universal compatibility with various ISO-standard male connectors (e.g., ISO 80369-6, ISO 80369-7, ISO 80369-8). The standardized taper angle and thread profile allow the same female connector to accommodate different male connectors while maintaining reliable sealing, eliminating the need for multiple specialized apertures.
Data Source
AI summary
A hermetically sealed thermoplastic container or ampoule having a hollow body portion, a neck portion, unitary with the body portion and terminating in a circumferential flat sealing surface that defines an access aperture, and a removable cap. The neck portion is provided with an external thread and defines an access passageway to the hollow body portion. Part of the neck portion is configured as a tapered female connector adapted to receive a tapered male connector when the access passageway is open.