Compact Beverage Pressure Regulator with Quick-Disconnects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure regulators for controlling fluid flow, such as water or syrup, often result in long hose connections that are prone to breaking, difficult to manage, and lead to liquid spills, increasing labor costs and safety hazards due to complexity and confusion in connections.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulator with quick-disconnect devices on both ends directly connects to a pump, eliminating the need for long hoses, reducing installation complexity, and providing better pressure regulation, while allowing for easier disconnection and organization of lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hose connections are used between pump and pressure regulator, then flexibility in installation is improved, but hose reliability deteriorates due to drooping, breaking, and liquid spills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate hose connection between the pump and pressure regulator, directly connecting the pump outlet to the regulator inlet. This eliminates the hose that causes drooping, breaking, and spills, while maintaining installation flexibility through the quick-connect mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the quick-connect mechanism directly into the pressure regulator body, merging the connection function with the regulator structure. This eliminates the need for separate hose connections while maintaining ease of installation and disconnection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple traditional hose connections are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases making connections difficult to identify
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-coded quick-connect mechanisms for different fluid lines (water, syrup, etc.), segmenting the connection system by function. This allows multiple connections to be easily distinguished by color, reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-connect mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides adaptable connections for different fluid lines, ensures proper connection orientation, and enables easy identification through color coding. This single mechanism handles what would otherwise require multiple separate connection systems.
3Strength
If traditional threaded fittings are used for connection, then connection strength is improved, but installation time increases due to screwing and unscrewing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-connect mechanism is pre-configured with spring-loaded locking features and alignment guides that automatically engage when components are brought together. This preliminary preparation of the connection mechanism eliminates the need for manual screwing operations, reducing installation time while maintaining connection strength.
4Adaptability or versatility
If long hose connections are used, then adaptability in mounting positions is improved, but harmful factors increase due to liquid spills and breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the long hose connections that create spill hazards and breaking risks, directly connecting the pump to the pressure regulator. This eliminates the harmful factors associated with long hoses while maintaining mounting flexibility through the quick-connect design.
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 solution reduces the likelihood of hose damage, simplifies installation and maintenance, minimizes liquid spills, and keeps connections organized, thereby reducing labor costs and improving safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is positioned in the body and bears against the diaphragm
Implementation Method 2
A valve mechanism is in flow communication with the diaphragm and is biased by the diaphragm in a direction to close the valve mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
A pressure regulator is provided featuring a body member for regulating the pressure of a fluid flowing therein, the body member having two ends, one end for receiving the fluid and another end for providing pressure regulated fluid; and a quick-disconnect device arranged on one end for coupling the body member to a corresponding quick-disconnect device that forms part of a device that provides the fluid or receives the pressure regulated fluid. The quick-disconnect device includes a male quick-disconnect device for coupling to a corresponding female quick-disconnect device that forms part of a hose or dispenser for providing the fluid or a pump for receiving the pressure regulated fluid; or a female quick-disconnect device for coupling to a corresponding male quick-disconnect device that forms part of a hose or dispenser for providing the fluid or a pump for receiving the pressure regulated fluid.