Collapsible Beverage Container Installation Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of collapsible beverage containers in beverage dispensing units is inefficient and poses ergonomic and safety risks due to the heavy weight and cylindrical shape of the containers, which can lead to accidents and strain injuries during handling and positioning, especially when using ascending pipes that may jam or leave residual beverages.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a receptacle with a horizontal plane and a support surface for positioning the collapsible container in a sloped position, allowing it to pivot and slide into an upright or inverted orientation within the receptacle, reducing the need for manual lifting and minimizing effort through angular momentum, and using a support surface with a curvature opposite to the container's rim to maintain stability and prevent sideward movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a collapsible beverage container is used with an ascending pipe, then the beverage can be dispensed, but the container may collapse into the pipe causing it to break or jam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional dispensing orientation by positioning the beverage container upside down with the outlet facing downward. This eliminates the ascending pipe entirely, as the beverage flows downward under gravity and pressure from the collapsible container. The inversion resolves the contradiction by removing the component (ascending pipe) that causes reliability issues while preserving beverage dispensing functionality.
2Ease of operation
If a heavy beverage container is manually handled for installation, then the container can be positioned in the dispensing unit, but the operator may suffer strain injuries or accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a lifting device that uses a cradle and guiding trough to elevate the heavy beverage container to the dispensing unit level. This mechanical assistance creates an equipotential pathway, allowing the container to be moved without the operator bearing the full weight burden. The container slides along the guided trough into position, eliminating the need for manual lifting and thereby preventing strain injuries and accidents.
3Quantity of substance
If a large beverage container is used to avoid frequent changes, then the amount of beverage dispensed increases, but the container becomes heavier and more difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lifting device as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the heavy beverage container. This device includes a cradle for holding the container and a guiding trough that facilitates controlled movement into the dispensing unit. The intermediary mechanism handles the weight burden, allowing the operator to work with large-volume containers without being directly affected by their heavy weight.
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 method enables quick, efficient, and ergonomic installation of beverage containers, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries by distributing the weight and allowing for easy alignment and sealing, thus ensuring safe and healthy operation.
Implementation Method 1
pivoting the collapsible beverage container from the first position in a rotational motion around the support surface to a second position in which the convex shaped first end is elevated
Implementation Method 2
allowing it to pivot and slide into an upright or inverted orientation within the receptacle, reducing the need for manual lifting and minimizing effort through angular momentum
Implementation Method 3
sliding the collapsible beverage container on the support surface and on the inner cylindrical surface of the receptacle from the second position to a third position inside the receptacle
Implementation Method 4
a support surface with a curvature opposite to the container's rim to maintain stability and prevent sideward movement
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A method for installing a collapsible beverage container in a beverage distribution unit comprises the steps of providing the beverage distribution unit including a receptacle defining an inner surface, an open upwardly facing curved rim and a closed downwardly facing end, and a support surface located above and outside the rim of the receptacle. The collapsible beverage container defines a cylindrical body fitting inside the receptacle, a convex shaped first end and a convex shaped second end. The method further comprises performing the steps of positioning the collapsible beverage container in a sloped first position, pivoting the collapsible beverage container from the first position in a rotational motion around the support surface to a second position, and sliding the collapsible beverage container on the support surface and on the inner cylindrical surface of the receptacle from the second position to a third position inside the receptacle.