Bag-in-Box Container for Beverage Dispenser

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional beverage dispensers require separate space for the syrup tank and bag-in-boxes, leading to increased installation and maintenance costs, as well as cumbersome operations for checking and refilling.

Innovation Solution

A container with a bag-shaped containing portion and a protruding ejecting portion, where the liquid is ejected through an ejection port formed by deforming the containing portion, allowing for space-saving integration within the dispenser and simplified maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If separate syrup tank and bag-in-boxes are used in conventional beverage dispensers, then liquid storage capacity is sufficient, but installation space increases and maintenance becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid storage capacityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the syrup tank and bag-in-boxes into a single integrated container structure. The container includes a bag-shaped containing portion for storing concentrated stock solution and an ejecting portion that protrudes from the containing portion, allowing both storage and ejection functions to be combined in one unit rather than requiring separate syrup tank and bag-in-box components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated container serves multiple functions: it stores the concentrated stock solution in its containing portion and simultaneously provides the ejection function through its protruding ejecting portion with ejection port. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate syrup tank and bag-in-box components, reducing installation space while maintaining adequate storage capacity.

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

2Quantity of substance

If separate syrup tank and bag-in-boxes are used, then liquid storage is sufficient, but maintenance and refilling operations become complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid storage capacityVSAvoidmaintenance and refilling operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the syrup tank and bag-in-boxes into a single integrated container with the bag-shaped containing portion and ejecting portion, the patent simplifies maintenance and refilling operations. Users only need to handle one container unit rather than separately managing a syrup tank and bag-in-boxes, making refilling and maintenance more straightforward while maintaining adequate liquid storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If integrated container design is used, then installation space is reduced, but liquid ejection efficiency may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidliquid ejection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The container is segmented into distinct functional portions: the bag-shaped containing portion for storage and the ejecting portion with ejection port for liquid discharge. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining compact integration, ensuring that the ejecting portion can efficiently eject liquid without compromising productivity despite the space-saving integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of repair

If integrated container design is used, then maintenance costs are lowered, but manufacturing complexity may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance costVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The container utilizes a flexible bag-shaped containing portion made from flexible material that can be molded into the required form. This approach simplifies manufacturing compared to rigid integrated structures, as flexible materials are easier to form and seal. The flexible shell design allows for cost-effective production while maintaining the integrated container structure that reduces maintenance costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3272703B1container
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 SUNTORY HLDG LTD
  • EP3272703B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3272703B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3272703B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

A container is provided that is to contain a liquid that is to be used in a liquid dispenser that is space-saving and enables checking of the amount of remaining liquid, a refilling operation, and maintenance to be readily performed. A stock solution container (30) in which a concentrated stock solution is to be contained and that is to be used in a beverage dispenser for ejecting a beverage constituted by the concentrated stock solution and a diluent, includes: a containing portion (31) that has a bag shape and is to contains the concentrated stock solution; and an ejecting portion (32) for ejecting the concentrated stock solution to the outside, the ejecting portion (32) being provided so as to protrude from the containing portion (31). An ejection port (35) is provided at a leading end of the ejecting portion (32), and the concentrated stock solution is ejected from the ejection port (35) as the containing portion (31) deforms based on an external force.