Zipper Closure for Flexible Containers with Sealed Throughflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closures for flexible receptacles lack sufficient stability and security, particularly during the transfer of hazardous or sensitive materials, as they often fail to maintain an environmentally sealed connection and can tear off under force shocks.
Innovation Solution
A closure system with two profile strips and a slide that allows for an environmentally sealed connection between receptacles, featuring closure elements oriented transversely to the throughflow direction to ensure stability and prevent peeling, along with an actuator for controlled opening and closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional closures are used for connecting receptacles, then the closure structure is simple, but the connection stability is insufficient and the closure may tear off under force shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is divided into two separate profile strips instead of a single unified structure. Each profile strip can be independently connected to a receptacle, and they engage with each other through closure elements. This segmentation allows the closure to better distribute and withstand forces while maintaining structural integrity during docking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The profile strips are designed with asymmetric geometries including protrusions and recesses that engage in specific directions. The closure elements have asymmetric shapes that prevent unintended disengagement while allowing controlled opening. This asymmetry ensures that the connection remains stable under force shocks but can be deliberately opened when needed.
2Reliability
If conventional closures are used, then the device complexity is low, but the environmental sealing reliability is insufficient during material transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is designed to work with flexible receptacles and includes sealing elements that conform to the flexible nature of the receptacle walls. The profile strips can adapt to slight deformations while maintaining the seal, ensuring environmental protection during docking and material transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure elements are designed with nested engagement features where protrusions fit into recesses, creating multiple levels of engagement. This nested structure provides redundant sealing points and ensures that the environmental seal is maintained even if one engagement point experiences stress or deformation.
3Ease of operation
If the closure allows easy opening for material transfer, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connection stability deteriorates and uncontrolled opening may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The closure transition from closed to opened state is designed as a controlled dynamic process. The profile strips can laterally move during docking, and the closure elements are designed to release in a controlled sequence. This dynamic design allows easy lateral docking while preventing uncontrolled opening during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure elements are designed to engage in a specific sequence during docking, with preliminary engagement of certain elements before others. This preliminary action ensures that the connection is progressively established, allowing easy lateral docking while maintaining connection stability throughout the process.
4Ease of manufacture
If closure elements are oriented parallel to the throughflow direction, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the resistance to peeling forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure elements are oriented transversely to the throughflow direction with asymmetric geometries that specifically resist peeling forces. The protrusions and recesses are shaped to engage in a manner that counteracts lateral and peeling forces generated during material transfer, providing superior resistance compared to parallel orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element geometry is designed to preemptively counteract peeling forces before they can cause separation. The transverse orientation and asymmetric shapes create mechanical interlocking that resists peeling forces in advance, preventing separation during high-stress material transfer operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A closure having two profile strips for an at least partially flexible container for connecting a first container to a second container in a manner sealed against the environment in a such a way that a closed docking position can be obtained. Further the closure provides for conducting a flow in a sealed manner against the environment in a flow direction through the closure from the first container into the second container in such a way that an open docking position can be obtained. According to the described system, the second container facing the first container is designed with an identical closure that engages in the closure of the first container in the open docking position and forms a channel for the flow in the flow direction together with the closure.