Bag-in-Container Connecting Device for Beverage Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag-in-container (BIC) type beverage dispensing systems lack an efficient and safe method for connecting a gas line to the container, particularly in dispensing assemblies, which complicates the process of pressurizing the beverage for consistent dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with movable parts and a mechanism to extend or retract a connecting element, allowing for easy connection to the BIC container's neck region, enabling pressurization of the space between the inner and outer containers to dispense beverages, featuring a coupling system with radial openings and a closure ring for gas introduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a connecting device is provided with a coupling opening and movable parts for connecting to the container, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is divided into multiple parts (first part with coupling opening, second part with connecting element) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the device to transition between connected and disconnected states, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device incorporates movable parts that can change position between extended and retracted states. The first and second parts can move relative to each other, allowing the connecting element to extend into the coupling opening for connection or retract for disconnection, thereby improving operational ease.
2Ease of operation
If the connecting element is movable between extended and retracted positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions through the relative movement of the first and second parts. This dynamic capability allows simple assembly and disassembly operations while the mechanism itself remains relatively simple, avoiding excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The relative movement between the first and second parts automatically extends or retracts the connecting element without requiring separate actuation mechanisms. The system uses its own structural movement to achieve the connecting element's position changes, simplifying the overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If pressurizing gas is introduced into the space between inner and outer containers, then the beverage dispensing function is improved, but the risk of gas contacting the beverage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The space between the inner and outer containers serves as an intermediary chamber. Pressurizing gas is introduced into this intermediate space rather than directly into the beverage, allowing the gas to compress the inner container and force beverage through the valve without direct contact, thus maintaining beverage quality while enabling dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The container system is segmented into distinct zones: the inner container holding the beverage, the intermediate space for gas introduction and compression, and the outer container providing structural support. This segmentation isolates the gas and beverage, preventing harmful contact while maintaining the dispensing function.
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 safe and efficient beverage dispensing by maintaining consistent pressure within the container, ensuring easy assembly and disassembly, and preventing gas from directly contacting the beverage, thus maintaining quality and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a source of pressurised gas, such as CO2, is connected to the connecting device, with which gas is fed into the container, thereby pressurising the beverage contained in the inner container and/or the space between the inner and outer containers
Implementation Method 2
The connecting device further comprises at least one connecting element, movable between an extended position in which the connecting element extends at least partly inside said coupling opening and a retracted position in which the connecting element extends less or not into said coupling opening
Data Source
AI summary
Device 5 for connecting a gas line 6 to a bag-in-container type of container 3, comprising a first 61 and a second part 62, movably connected to said first part 61, wherein one of the first or second part 61, 62 comprises a coupling opening 60 with coupling elements 67 for connecting the device 5 to a part of a bag-in-container type container 3 extending inside coupling opening 60. The connecting device 5 comprises a connecting element 70, movable between an extended position wherein the connecting element 70 extends partly inside coupling opening 60 and a retracted position in which the connecting element 70 extends less or not into coupling opening 60, the connecting device 5 further comprising a mechanism 72 for moving the connecting element 70 between the extended and the retracted position by relative movement of first and second parts 61, 62.