Gas Canister Socket and Seal for Threadless Carbonation Replacement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carbonation machines require complex and potentially damaging procedures for replacing gas canisters, as users must screw in new canisters, risking overtightening and seal damage.

Innovation Solution

A carbonation machine design featuring a holder with a socket and seal that allows linear insertion and removal of the gas canister valve, using laterally oriented ports and a holding mechanism with teeth to secure the valve, enabling easy and secure connection without threading, along with a tiltable cradle and handle for easy positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If users screw in new canisters using traditional threaded connections, then the gas canister can be securely attached to the carbonation machine, but the complexity of the replacement procedure increases and the risk of overtightening and seal damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure connectionVSAvoidreplacement procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional threaded mechanical connection system with a linear insertion system featuring a socket and valve body interface. The valve body simply inserts linearly into the socket without requiring rotational screwing motions, eliminating the complexity and risk of overtightening while maintaining secure attachment through the holding mechanism with teeth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is segmented into distinct components: a socket in the holder, a valve body with lateral projection, and a holding mechanism with teeth. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the socket receives the valve, the lateral projection engages the teeth, and the teeth provide secure retention - simplifying the overall replacement procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If traditional threaded connections are used for gas canister attachment, then secure attachment is achieved, but the risk of seal damage and overtightening increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidseal damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the threaded mechanical system that causes overtightening and seal damage, replacing it with a linear insertion mechanism. The valve body inserts straight into the socket without rotational force, and the holding mechanism with teeth provides secure retention without requiring excessive tightening force, thereby preventing seal damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The socket acts as an intermediary between the valve body and the holder, providing a controlled interface that guides the valve body into proper alignment and prevents misalignment damage. The holding mechanism with teeth serves as another intermediary that secures the connection without direct user force on the seal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a holding mechanism with teeth is used to secure the valve, then secure retention is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve retentionVSAvoidholder structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding mechanism is segmented into simple, discrete teeth that engage with the lateral projection on the valve body. This segmentation creates a straightforward engagement system where each tooth provides independent retention points, making the overall structure simpler than continuous clamping mechanisms while achieving reliable valve retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 quick and simple replacement of gas canisters by unskilled users, reducing the risk of overtightening and seal damage, while ensuring secure and leak-proof connections.

Implementation Method 1

the socket including a seal with at least one lateral opening to enable fluidic flow between one or more laterally oriented ports of a valve of the canister into the socket to enable fluidic flow between the valve and a conduit of the holder while preventing leakage of gas from the fluidic flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through sealed connection:

Data Source

PatentUS11986781B2Carbonation machine and a gas canister for a carbonation machine

Publication Date: 2024.05.21 SODA STREAM INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

A carbonation machine may include a carbonation head, a holder that is configured to hold a gas canister, the holder comprising a connector with a socket configured to enable linear insertion of a valve of the canister into the socket, the socket including a seal with at least one lateral opening to enable fluidic flow between one or more laterally oriented ports of the valve and a conduit of the holder while preventing leakage of gas from the fluidic flow, and a holding mechanism configured to hold a lateral projection from the canister after insertion of the valve into the socket such that the valve remains in the socket, and an activation mechanism configured to operate the valve to release the gas from the canister when inserted into the socket so as to enable the gas to flow via the conduit to the carbonation head.