Twist-Lock Sealing System for Automated Analyser Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated analyser systems face challenges in maintaining the usability and shelf life of materials stored in containers due to chemical interactions between the materials and the system's components, particularly with soft, elastic seals and valves, which are difficult to find inert materials for.
Innovation Solution
A sealing and coupling system comprising a cap with a seal and a coupling member, featuring a breaking line and ramps for controlled seal opening, preventing axial movement and ensuring the seal remains partly connected to the cap, with a latch mechanism to prevent twist-back, allowing for secure sealing and controlled material access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the container is directly connected to the dispensing unit without a seal, then the material can be easily accessed and dispensed, but the material will contact the mechanical components causing chemical interactions that reduce usability and shelf life
Solution Approach 1:
A cap with a seal acts as an intermediary component between the container and the dispensing unit. The seal creates a barrier that prevents direct contact between the material and the mechanical components of the dispensing unit, thereby eliminating harmful chemical interactions while still allowing controlled access to the material when needed.
2Reliability
If a seal is introduced to protect components from material contact, then chemical interactions are prevented and shelf life is extended, but the system complexity increases due to additional sealing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is divided into functionally distinct segments: a seal portion that contacts the container opening to create the barrier, and a coupling portion that interfaces with the dispensing unit. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design relatively simple and manageable.
3Ease of operation
If the seal is designed to remain fully connected to the cap for easy replacement, then the sealing function is maintained, but the seal cannot be selectively opened for controlled material dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed with a breaking line that allows it to transition from a closed, intact state to an opened state with controlled material access. The seal remains dynamically connected to the cap through the coupling portion, enabling it to maintain the sealing function when closed while allowing selective opening for dispensing operations.
4Strength
If the cap and coupling member are designed to twist against each other for coupling, then secure connection is achieved, but axial movement must be prevented to maintain sealing integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The cap and coupling member feature asymmetric thread profiles that engage through rotational movement. This asymmetric threading design inherently prevents axial movement while maintaining strong mechanical coupling, as the threaded geometry converts rotational force into secure connection without requiring additional axial constraint mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing system for container comprising material and a method using the system. The present invention provides a sealing system for sealing a container comprising material, wherein the system comprises at least a first part which is a cap for sealing a container comprising a seal; and a second part which is a coupling member that is mounted to a dispenser unit, wherein the coupling of both parts with each other is configured that they can be twisted against each other while preventing axial movement of first and second part.