Flow restrictor assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage dispensers lack effective mechanisms to control the flow rate and volume of liquids, leading to potential splashing and unintended spillage, as existing technologies do not provide sufficient variability in flow restriction.
Innovation Solution
A flow restrictor assembly for beverage kettles, comprising a valve member and a handle operably coupled to selectively position the valve member within the kettle, utilizing a biasing mechanism to hold the valve in various positions, thereby controlling the flow by partially or fully blocking the opening, allowing for adjustable flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If no flow restrictor mechanism is provided, then the beverage dispenser is simple in structure, but the flow rate cannot be controlled leading to splashing and spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is made movable between different positions (first position covering the opening, second position away from the opening) to dynamically adjust the flow rate. The biasing member enables the valve to be held in different positions, providing variable flow restriction rather than a fixed state, thus resolving the contradiction between flow control capability and structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If a flow restrictor mechanism is added, then the flow rate can be controlled to prevent splashing, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restrictor assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a valve member for flow control, a biasing member for positioning, and a handle for operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall structural simplicity. The valve member alone provides the spill prevention function without requiring complex mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the valve member fully covers the opening, then spillage is prevented, but the flow rate becomes too restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member can be positioned dynamically between two extreme states: fully covering the opening (first position) to prevent spillage, and fully away from the opening (second position) to maximize flow rate. This dynamic positioning capability allows users to adjust the flow rate according to needs while maintaining spill prevention when required, resolving the contradiction between flow restriction and dispensing speed.
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 flow restrictor assembly effectively regulates the flow of liquids, preventing excess splashing and spillage by allowing users to vary the flow rate, ensuring controlled dispensing of beverages.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member configured to hold the valve member in one of the first position or the second position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4A
AI summary
A flow restrictor assembly 40 for a beverage kettle 10 having a valve member 60 that moves with respect to an opening 18 in the interior of the beverage kettle 10 to restrict the flow of liquid from the opening 18 in the beverage kettle 10. The valve member 60 may be coupled to a handle 74 that enables movement of the valve member 60 into varying positions with respect to the opening 18 to control the flow rate.