Beverage Tapping Assembly With Gas-Coupled Bag-in-Container Neck
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing systems for bag-in-container type containers face challenges in connecting the dispensing assembly to the container and maintaining efficient pressure without direct contact of pressurizing gas with the beverage, as well as in forming such containers effectively.
Innovation Solution
A tapping assembly with a connecting device that allows for a movable connecting element to connect a pressurized gas source to a bag-in-container type container, featuring a closure ring to seal the space between inner and outer containers, and a method of forming the container through blow molding preforms with integrated openings for gas introduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a movable connecting element is used to connect pressurized gas to the container, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed to be movable between an extended position (for connection) and a retracted position (for disconnection), allowing dynamic adaptation to different operational states. This movement capability enables easy connection and disconnection while managing the inherent complexity through controlled motion mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device is divided into separate functional parts: a first part with a coupling opening and a second part with the connecting element. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and simplifies the overall assembly by distributing functions across modular elements.
2Productivity
If pressurized gas is introduced into the space between inner and outer containers, then beverage dispensing efficiency is improved, but risk of gas contact with beverage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The space between the inner container and outer container serves as an intermediary chamber that receives pressurized gas. This intermediate space transmits pressure to the beverage without requiring direct contact between the gas and the beverage, thus maintaining dispensing efficiency while preventing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner container is nested within the outer container, creating a hierarchical structure where the intermediate space allows pressure transmission while physically isolating the beverage from direct gas exposure. This nested arrangement enables efficient pressure-based dispensing with built-in protection.
3Reliability
If a closure ring is used to seal the space between containers, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure ring integrates multiple functions into a single component: it seals the space between the inner and outer containers, provides structural support, and maintains the integrity of the intermediate chamber. This merging of functions improves reliability while minimizing the addition of separate components.
4Ease of manufacture
If openings are provided in the neck region of the outer container, then ease of manufacture is improved, but structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The neck region of the outer container is designed with localized openings at specific positions, allowing gas introduction while maintaining overall structural integrity. The openings are strategically placed to provide manufacturing ease and functional capability without compromising the strength of the entire neck region.
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
Facilitates easy and safe dispensing of beverages by maintaining controlled pressure without direct gas contact, ensuring reliable connection and efficient beverage flow while using disposable or reusable components.
Implementation Method 1
feeding pressurised gas, such as CO2 into the container, forcing the beverage out of the container
Implementation Method 2
maintaining efficient pressure without direct contact of pressurizing gas with the beverage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Tapping assembly for a beverage, comprising container comprising a first and second container, wherein the first container has a neck portion and the second container is suspended in the first container, from the neck portion thereof, wherein a neck region of the container is provided with at least one opening in a side wall thereof, preferably in a neck region of the first container, opening into a space between the first and second containers, wherein the assembly further comprises a connecting device, connected or connectable to the neck portion, wherein the connecting device comprises at least one connecting element for connecting to the at least one opening, wherein the connecting element is connected to a source of pressurised gas.