Beverage Valve Assembly With Dual Coupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage container systems for dispensing carbonated beverages are location-restricted, require significant effort to move, and often need a power source for operation, limiting their portability and usability.
Innovation Solution
A beverage container with a pressure control device and a dual coupling mechanism that maintains constant pressure, allowing for controlled dispensing without a power source, featuring a first coupling means for positioning and a second coupling means for operating the valve assembly, which can be fixed to maintain the valve open for continuous dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If beverage containers are designed for dispensing under pressure with valve assemblies, then dispensing control is improved, but the risk of accidental activation during storage and transport increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operating mechanism is divided into two separate coupling means: a first coupling means for positioning the operating mechanism relative to the valve assembly, and a second coupling means for actually operating the valve. This segmentation ensures that positioning does not accidentally trigger valve opening, as the second coupling means requires deliberate engagement to operate the valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The first coupling means performs preliminary positioning of the operating mechanism relative to the valve assembly before the actual valve operation. This preliminary action establishes the correct geometric relationship and alignment without activating the valve, preparing the system for controlled dispensing while preventing accidental activation during the positioning phase.
2Reliability
If a dual coupling mechanism is used for valve operation, then accidental activation is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second coupling means are merged into a single integrated operating mechanism that performs both positioning and valve operation functions. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the safety benefits of the dual-coupling approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating mechanism is designed as a multi-functional component that combines both positioning functionality (first coupling means) and valve operation functionality (second coupling means) within a single device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms, reducing complexity while achieving the safety objective.
3Weight of moving object
If beverage containers are made portable without power sources, then mobility is improved, but the ability to maintain constant pressure for controlled dispensing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control system is designed to maintain constant pressure automatically without requiring external power sources. The system uses the beverage's own pressure and the mechanical design of the valve assembly to regulate flow, eliminating the need for electric pumps or pressure regulators that would add weight and require power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pressure control systems (such as springs, diaphragms, or adjustable regulators) with a simpler geometric solution based on the relative positioning of coupling means. The constant pressure is maintained through the mechanical relationship between the first and second coupling means during the dispensing process.
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
Enables portable and efficient dispensing of beverages under controlled pressure without the need for a power source, ensuring stable pressure and easy operation, while preventing accidental valve activation during storage.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure control device with which a pressure gas can be introduced into the container, in order to keep the inner space of the container at a pre-selected pressure
Implementation Method 2
a valve assembly with an operating mechanism coupled thereto... with which the valve assembly can be opened
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A beverage container (1) provided with an inner space, at least partly filled with carbonated beverage and a valve assembly (15) attached in the beverage container, in particular a top surface (4) thereof, which valve assembly comprises a valve body (21) biased in a closing direction against a valve seat (20), and wherein, preferably, an engaging means (26) extending outside the inner space is provided, wherein a pressure control device (36) is provided which comprises a reservoir (37), filled with a pressure gas, which reservoir is in communication with the inner space, at least during use, preferably via a pressure control device, and wherein the dispensing device comprises an operating device (40) for pressing the valve body away from the valve seat, which operating device comprises a part of a beverage dispensing channel (48, 52) and is provided with means (64) for maintaining the valve assembly in an opened position.