Bottom-Fill Beverage Valve Assembly for Low-Foam Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for filling beverage containers often result in excessive foam formation, particularly with carbonated beverages, leading to liquid wastage and increased serving time due to the need for top filling, which requires multiple actions and physical contact, and occupy significant space.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing system that allows filling through the bottom of the container using a valve and connection devices with magnetic components to create a fluid-tight seal, reducing foam formation by pushing it over the rim and enabling automatic or semi-automatic operation with a user interface for controlling fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If top filling method is used, then liquid can be transferred to serving container, but excessive foam is generated and liquid is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional top-filling approach by implementing bottom-up filling. The serving container is filled from the bottom through a valve assembly, allowing liquid to rise through the container and push foam upward and outward over the rim, thereby reducing foam loss and improving liquid transfer efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If top filling method is used, then liquid can be transferred, but multiple manual actions are required increasing serving time
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the server simply places the serving container on the dispenser. The valve assembly automatically detects the container presence and initiates the filling process without requiring the server to manually start or control the flow, reducing serving time and manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated valve assembly that uses magnetic components and sensors to detect container presence and control liquid flow automatically, eliminating the need for manual operation steps.
3Quantity of substance
If top filling method is used, then liquid can be transferred, but significant counter space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed to nest within or attach to the base of the serving container, rather than requiring a separate large dispensing apparatus on the counter. This compact integration reduces the footprint and space requirements on the counter while maintaining liquid transfer functionality.
4Quantity of substance
If top filling method is used, then liquid can be transferred, but physical contact and coordination are required during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The automated valve assembly with magnetic detection and flow control eliminates the need for the server to physically manipulate or coordinate during the filling process. The system automatically detects when the container is in place and controls the liquid flow, making operation simple and foolproof.
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 system effectively reduces foam formation, minimizes liquid wastage, and streamlines the filling process by eliminating the need for physical contact and reducing the number of taps required, while also allowing for efficient use of space and customizable features.
Implementation Method 1
connection devices with magnetic components to create a fluid-tight seal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~3
AI summary
Valve 1700 to dispense fluid, comprising: a nozzle 1705 including a first mating plate and one or more apertures 1751, the nozzle sealed to a valve case 2310 via a first seal 2316; a housing body 1701 coupled to the valve case, wherein the valve case is sealed to the housing body via a second seal 2315; an actuator assembly 1710 coupled to the housing body and including a solenoid 1706, a solenoid spring 2117, and a solenoid plunger 2207; a valve block 1709 coupled to the housing body and including an opening 2350 to accommodate a fitting 1721 to receive fluid from a fluid source, wherein the valve block is sealed to the housing body via a third seal 2304; and a plunger 2326 coupled to a plunger shaft 2322, wherein movement of the plunger shaft transitions the valve between an open position and a closed position, and wherein movement of the plunger shaft is indirectly related to movement of the solenoid plunger.