Beverage Dispensing Apparatus Piercing Sealing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current beverage dispensing systems, particularly one-way kegs, are costly due to expensive valves and lack recyclability, making small capacity kegs uneconomical and contributing to environmental issues as recyclers struggle to process mixed materials.

Innovation Solution

A beverage dispensing apparatus with a body containing a gas conduit and beverage conduit, featuring a piercing end and a fluid seal, which can be sealed to a beverage container without removing the closure, allowing for efficient dispensing and potentially reducing waste through improved recyclability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If one-way kegs with valves are used, then beverage dispensing is enabled, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage dispensing capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the valve component from the beverage container system entirely. Instead of using a valve in the keg, the system employs a valveless container that connects directly to the dispensing apparatus through a piercing mechanism, eliminating the need for expensive valve components while maintaining dispensing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes disposable valveless beverage containers that are inexpensive to manufacture. These containers are designed for single-use with the dispensing apparatus, eliminating the need for expensive, reusable kegs with valves. The containers can be made from simple materials like plastic or aluminum without complex valve assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional one-way kegs are used, then dispensing function is achieved, but recyclability is poor due to mixed materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing functionVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the dispensing function (handled by the reusable dispensing apparatus) from the container (disposable). This segmentation allows the container to be made from simple, easily recyclable materials without complex valve components, improving recyclability while maintaining dispensing functionality through the apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The disposable containers are designed to be simple in construction without mixed materials. They can be made from single-material construction (plastic, aluminum, or steel) that is easily recyclable, eliminating the environmental problem of mixed material disposal while maintaining the dispensing function through the apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If small capacity one-way kegs are manufactured, then versatility is improved, but economic feasibility decreases due to valve cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer size optionsVSAvoideconomic feasibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The disposable valveless containers can be manufactured in various small capacities at low cost using simple molding or forming processes. Without expensive valve components, even small 1-liter or 2-liter containers become economically viable, enabling versatile size options that were previously unprofitable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Strength

If metal kegs are used for beverage storage, then durability is improved, but cost increases and return logistics are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeg durabilityVSAvoidcost and logistics complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces expensive, durable metal kegs that require return logistics with inexpensive disposable containers. The dispensing apparatus provides the durability and reusability, while the containers are discarded after single use, eliminating return logistics costs and simplifying the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

The apparatus enables cost-effective dispensing of beverages from smaller containers while enhancing recyclability by using a chuck with a collet camming collar and fluid pressure seal, potentially reducing environmental impact and making smaller containers economically viable.

Implementation Method 1

the fluid seal comprises a fluid pressure seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure seal: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

The chuck may comprise a movably mounted collet camming collar and a collet disposed therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20240208790A1Beverage dispensing apparatus and system

Publication Date: 2024.06.27 KEGLAND HLDG PTY LTD

AI summary

A beverage dispensing apparatus. The apparatus includes a body defining a beverage container receiving cavity. The apparatus includes a gas conduit and a beverage conduit, wherein at least one of the gas conduit and the beverage conduit comprise a piercing end disposed within the beverage container receiving cavity. The apparatus includes a beverage container fastener operable to fasten a beverage container when received in the beverage container receiving cavity.