Universal Fluid Container Closure for Mixed Neck Threads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid container enclosures for endoscopic systems face challenges in compatibility with various fluid container designs due to differing sizes and thread configurations, complicating manufacturing and product acquisition for tubing sets.

Innovation Solution

The development of universal fluid container enclosures that can accommodate a wide range of container sizes and thread finishes, featuring deformable plugs and seals to securely attach to fluid containers while allowing access through tubing sets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fluid container enclosures are designed for specific container sizes and thread configurations, then secure attachment is achieved, but compatibility with various fluid container designs is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with various fluid container designsVSAvoidenclosure design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is designed with a deformable body that can adapt to multiple container sizes and thread configurations, allowing a single enclosure design to serve multiple functions across different fluid container types, thereby improving compatibility without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure incorporates a deformable body capable of changing its shape and dimensions dynamically during attachment, allowing it to conform to different container neck sizes and thread patterns, enabling universal compatibility while maintaining a relatively simple base structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If deformable plugs are used to fit various container openings, then compatibility improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with various container openingsVSAvoidplug deformation control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The plug's physical parameters (shape, volume, rigidity) are changed through controlled deformation in response to varying container opening dimensions, allowing a single plug design to accommodate multiple opening sizes while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized deformation mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If sleeves are folded over container necks to form seals, then sealing reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidsleeve configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sleeve is constructed as a flexible, thin-walled component that can be folded or rolled over the container neck to create an effective seal, achieving high sealing reliability through the inherent flexibility and conformability of the thin-film structure without requiring complex multi-component assemblies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances compatibility with diverse fluid container designs, simplifying manufacturing and product acquisition for tubing sets, and ensuring secure sealing and access to fluid contents.

Implementation Method 1

the plug may be configured to deform responsive to pressure to reduce the outer diameter to fit the first plug end through the opening and into the neck of the fluid container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

the first plug end may be configured to expand to engage an inner surface of the neck to form a seal responsive to removal of the pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elastic Recovery

Implementation Method 3

the first sleeve end may be configured to fold at least a portion of the sleeve outward and down toward the second plug end to arrange at least a portion of the sleeve over an outer neck surface of the neck

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFolding: Folding

Data Source

PatentEP4491287B1Universal fluid container enclosure systems
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC
  • EP4491287B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4491287B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP4491287B1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

An enclosure system for enclosing a fluid container comprises a cap comprising at least one protrusion extending from an internal side of a base portion of the cap. The at least one protrusion is configured to engage an outer neck surface of an opening of the neck of the fluid container as the cap is being pressed down onto the neck to cause the base portion to expand to allow the at least one protrusion to engage at least one thread on the outer surface of neck. The base portion is biased toward the neck to hold the cap on the neck. An enclosure system for enclosing a fluid container further comprises a sealing material arranged within a top internal portion of the cap. The sealing material contacts at least a portion of the outer neck surface to form a seal between the enclosure system and the neck.