Caged Ball Valve Dispensing for Precise Liquid Dosing and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices lack accuracy and convenience in dispensing precise amounts of materials, particularly liquids, and often require complex structures, are aesthetically unwieldy, and cannot be completely sealed for storage.
Innovation Solution
A ball valve liquid dispensing device with a caged structure and a ball that traverses the cage to control the dispensation of a predetermined volume, using mechanical or electromagnetic switches to seal off the flow, and can be integrated into existing bottle caps or containers for seamless operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex structure with multiple chambers and moveable walls is used to regulate dispensation, then the dispensation volume can be adjusted, but the device becomes unwieldy and unaesthetic
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a reservoir portion and a dispensing portion separated by a partition wall with a dispensing aperture. The ball valve mechanism is segmented into a ball, a seat, and a actuating member that can independently move between positions. This segmentation allows for adjusted dispensation volume through the aperture while keeping the overall structure simple and compact.
2Measurement precision
If a ball valve with vacuum and air locks is used to regulate measured flow, then the dispensation can be controlled, but the device requires a vent and becomes unwieldy
Solution Approach 1:
The complex vacuum and air lock mechanisms are extracted and replaced with a simplified ball valve system. The ball valve directly controls flow measurement through its position relative to the dispensing aperture, eliminating the need for separate vent mechanisms and complex pressure regulation components.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple chambers and pumps are used to dispense desired amount of liquid, then the dispensation quantity can be controlled, but the device requires hand trigger and spring actuated piston mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The hand trigger and spring actuated piston pump mechanism is replaced with a ball valve system that uses a simpler actuating member. The ball valve controls the dispensation quantity by regulating flow through the dispensing aperture based on the ball's position, eliminating the need for complex pump mechanisms while maintaining precise quantity control.
4Reliability
If the device is designed to be completely sealed for storage, then the liquid substance can be preserved and leakage prevented, but existing devices cannot achieve complete sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The ball valve is designed to move dynamically between a first position (sealed) and a second position (dispensing). In the first position, the ball seals against the seat to prevent leakage and preserve the liquid during storage. In the second position, the ball moves away from the seat to allow controlled dispensation through the aperture, achieving both complete sealing and operational accessibility.
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 device provides precise and convenient dispensing of materials without the need for intermediary chambers, ensuring accurate dosing without visible components and maintaining seal integrity during use.
Implementation Method 1
when tipped away from vertical to allow dispensation of compound from container, ball transverses caged structure in timed manner
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention recognizes that there exists a long felt need for devices that can dispense a compound in a measured aliquot, A first aspect of the present invention generally relates to a ball valve device. A second aspect of the present invention generally relates to a method of making a ball valve of the present invention. A third aspect of the present, invention generally relates to a method of dispensing a compound using a ball valve device of the present invention.