Canister Valve Connection With Over-Center Sealing and Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
CO2 gas leaks from canisters when connecting them to external systems, reducing the usable CO2 and necessitating a more convenient and efficient connection mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A canister connection apparatus with a receiver fitment that includes a valve opening component to control gas flow, a carbonator throttle to restrict flow rates, and a quick connect mechanism with a solenoid and lever to prevent over-pressurization, ensuring secure and controlled gas transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a canister is connected to an external system using conventional connection mechanisms, then gas transfer can be achieved, but gas leakage occurs during connection reducing usable CO2
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver fitment is pre-configured with sealing surfaces and a valve opening component that automatically engages when the canister is inserted. The seal is established before the valve opens, preventing gas leakage during the connection process. This preliminary preparation of sealing mechanisms eliminates CO2 loss that occurs with conventional connection methods.
2Productivity
If gas flow from the canister is released without restriction, then rapid gas transfer is achieved, but over pressurization of the carbonation tank occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A receiver fitment acts as an intermediary component between the canister and carbonation tank. It includes a valve opening component that controls gas release and a carbonator throttle that restricts flow rate. This intermediary mechanism allows rapid gas transfer while preventing over pressurization by regulating the flow through the throttle component.
3Ease of operation
If conventional connection mechanisms are used, then simple connection is achieved, but users are exposed to accidental gas discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The valve opening component and sealing mechanism are extracted and integrated into the receiver fitment, separate from the canister valve. This allows the receiver fitment to control the valve opening and gas release process, shielding the user from accidental discharge while maintaining simple connection operation. The user simply inserts the canister, and the integrated mechanism handles the controlled gas release.
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 solution effectively seals and covers the canister fitment, preventing gas leakage during connection, shielding users from accidental discharge, and regulating gas flow to prevent over-pressurization, ensuring efficient and safe transfer of CO2 to external systems.
Implementation Method 1
a quick connect mechanism with a solenoid and lever to prevent over-pressurization
Implementation Method 2
a carbonator throttle configured to restrict a flow of gas from the canister, after release by the valve opening component, to a reduced flow rate to prevent over pressurization of the carbonation tank
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method including the steps of receiving a canister (110) in a canister connection housing (105). The canister includes a canister fitment (120) and a canister valve. The housing includes a receiver fitment (125) and a door (130). The method includes the step of lowering the receiver fitment of the housing over the canister fitment. The lowering of the receiver fitment is caused by a closing of the housing door. The present disclosure further relates to an apparatus. An apparatus including a nest (115) configured to receive a canister (110), a door (130) configured to rotate about an angle (205) so as to open and close, a receiver fitment (125) configured to connect to a canister fitment (120), and an over-center movement mechanism (135) connected to the door (130) and the receiver fitment (120). The over-center movement mechanism (135) is configured to move the receiver fitment along an axis as the door (130) is rotated about the angle (205).