Gas Canister Valve Adapter for Thread-Free Carbonation Refill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbonation machines require complex and potentially damaging procedures for replacing gas canisters, as the traditional threaded connections can lead to overtightening and risk of seal damage, and do not facilitate easy insertion or removal by unskilled users.
Innovation Solution
A gas canister valve adapter with laterally oriented exterior ports and a channel system that allows for fluidic communication between a filling port and exterior ports, enabling easy connection to a filling head without the need for threaded sockets, and a mechanism for simple insertion and removal without generating thrust that could separate the canister from the holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional threaded connections are used for gas canister replacement, then secure connection is achieved, but the risk of overtightening and seal damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as an intermediary component between the gas canister valve and the filling head/carbonation machine. It features a receiving cavity that accepts the canister valve body and provides a sealed connection interface, eliminating the need for direct threaded connections between the canister and machine, thus preventing overtightening damage while maintaining secure connections
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed as a simple, robust component that can be easily replaced if needed. Its straightforward design with basic sealing elements makes it less critical than the main machine components, allowing for potential disposal or replacement without significant cost or complexity
2Reliability
If threaded sockets are used for canister connection, then secure attachment is achieved, but the complexity of replacement procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct modular components: the gas canister, the adapter, and the filling head/carbonation machine. The adapter acts as an independent module that simplifies the interface between the canister and machine, allowing for tool-free attachment and detachment without complex threading operations
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter mediates the connection between the canister valve and the filling head, providing a simple insertion interface that eliminates the need for users to perform complex threading operations. The adapter's receiving cavity accepts the canister valve body through straightforward insertion, making the replacement process accessible to unskilled users
3Ease of operation
If lateral exterior ports are used in the valve, then easy connection to filling head is achieved, but thrust during gas release could separate canister from holder
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as a mediator that absorbs and manages the thrust forces generated during gas release. It features a robust structure with a receiving cavity that secures the canister valve, and the thrust forces are distributed through the adapter's body rather than directly transmitting to the canister-holder interface, preventing separation
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 safe replacement of gas canisters by unskilled users, reducing the risk of damage to seals and simplifying the process through a design that minimizes thrust during gas release, allowing for efficient and secure connection to both carbonation machines and filling systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one channel that is configured to conduct pressurized gas from a longitudinally oriented filling port of a canister filling system to one or more lateral channels that are in fluidic communication with the at least one exterior port of a valve
Implementation Method 2
the valve may further include a gasket configured to fluidically isolate an exterior surface of a plunger of the valve
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An adapter may comprise a body having an opening that is shaped to enable insertion of a valve of a gas canister that is configured to hold a pressurized or liquefied gas for carbonating a liquid, the valve comprising a canister port to a confined space within the gas canister, the valve also comprising at least one exterior port that opens laterally to the longitudinal axis of the valve; and at least one channel that is configured to conduct pressurized gas from a filling port of a canister filling machine to one or more channels that are in fluidic communication with said at least one exterior port of a valve that is inserted into the opening, wherein the adapter is configured to facilitate filling of the gas canister with the pressurized or liquified gas, while said at least one lateral exterior port is maintained stationary with respect to the gas canister at all times when the valve is inserted within the adapter.