Beer Tank Adapter Head for Tool-Free Dispenser Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing large-capacity beer tanks require specialized technical skills for connection to beer dispensers, leading to complex and costly logistics, especially during large events, as they need frequent replacement and maintenance, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A beer tank design with a chassis, a flexible beer pocket, a refrigeration circuit, and adapter heads allowing for tool-free and 'plug-and-play' connection to beer dispensing pipes, enabling non-technical personnel to easily connect and disconnect the tank from dispensers without external systems, facilitating quick and simple installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional beer tanks with outlet taps and adapter heads are used, then connection to beer dispensers can be made, but specialized technical skills and trained technicians are required for installation and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is divided into modular components: a removable adapter head assembly that separates from the main tank body. This segmentation allows the adapter head to be independently replaced and connected without requiring technical expertise for the entire tank system, enabling simpler, tool-free connection to beer dispensers while maintaining tank integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter head is designed with self-aligning features and tool-free connection mechanisms that allow users to connect and disconnect the tank from dispensers without requiring trained technicians. The design includes visual indicators and intuitive interfaces that enable self-service operation, eliminating the need for specialized installation skills while ensuring proper connection.
2Productivity
If frequent keg changes are made to maintain continuous beer supply, then beer distribution can be maintained, but labor workload and service times increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter head is pre-assembled with all necessary connection components and alignment features before being attached to the tank. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid connection to dispensers without requiring on-site assembly or technical intervention, reducing service time while ensuring continuous beer distribution through quick tank replacements.
3Reliability
If complex dispensing systems with refrigeration and gas injection are implemented, then beer can be dispensed at high quality, but system complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter head design extracts and isolates the connection functionality from the main tank system, allowing the tank to be a simple, self-contained unit that interfaces with existing dispenser infrastructure. This separation reduces the complexity requirements for the tank itself while maintaining reliable beer dispensing quality through standardized connection interfaces that work with existing refrigeration and gas systems.
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
This design simplifies the connection process, reduces labor and costs, and ensures continuous beer distribution without the need for trained technicians, allowing for efficient operation and maintenance, especially in large-scale events.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigeration circuit configured to cool the beer by circulating water along the tank
Implementation Method 2
a compressor configured to increase the air pressure inside the tank, forcing the beer bag to compress and thus extract the beer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
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AI summary
A beer tank intended to be connected to at least one beer dispenser, comprising: - a chassis; - a tank fixed to the chassis, comprising at least one tank valve in fluid contact with at least one beer transport pipe; - a bag having a maximum internal volume greater than 0.3 m3, at least partially filled with beer, disposed in the tank and connected to the tank valve; - a refrigeration circuit configured to cool the beer by circulating water along the tank, the refrigeration circuit comprising a pump disposed on the chassis; - at least one adapter head connected to the beer transport pipe and allowing manual and tool-free connection of a beer dispensing pipe intended to transport the beer from the tank to a beer dispenser.