Magnetic Ball Valve for Sealed Carbonated Dispensing Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbonated dispensing head valves face issues with leakage and sealing due to the need for components to penetrate the liquid chamber, and 'wet' pistons require precise machining and are not self-cleaning, with the fluid acting as a lubricant posing challenges.
Innovation Solution
A novel ball valve mechanism that uses a spherical object controlled by magnetic or electro-magnetic means to open and close fluid flow without penetrating the chamber wall, utilizing pressure to seal the orifice and self-clean the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a paddle valve with an arm penetrating through the chamber wall is used, then the valve can be actuated to open and close fluid flow, but leakage and sealing issues occur at the penetration point
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the penetrating arm from the chamber wall entirely. Instead, a magnetic actuator positioned outside the chamber wall actuates a ball valve element inside the chamber through magnetic field interaction, eliminating the penetration point that caused leakage and sealing issues while maintaining valve actuation capability.
2Productivity
If a wet piston is used in the solenoid, then fluid flow can be controlled, but precise machining is required to maintain closing of the orifice
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical wet piston system with a magnetic field-based actuation system. The magnetic actuator exerts force on the ball valve element through the fluid without requiring mechanical contact or precise machining of sliding surfaces, eliminating the need for high manufacturing precision while maintaining fluid flow control.
3Device complexity
If a fixed piston is used, then the valve structure is simplified, but the piston is not self-cleaning and requires maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a ball valve element that rotates dynamically between closed and open positions rather than a fixed piston. This rotational movement allows the ball surface to be continuously exposed to flowing fluid, creating a self-cleaning effect that prevents debris accumulation and reduces maintenance requirements while maintaining structural simplicity.
4Ease of operation
If the fluid acts as a lubricant for sliding surfaces, then lubrication is provided, but the character of the fluid can have problems serving as a lubricant
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the sliding piston mechanism that relies on fluid lubrication with a magnetic field-based actuation system. The magnetic actuator transfers force through the fluid without requiring sliding contact, eliminating the dependency on fluid lubrication properties and ensuring reliable operation regardless of fluid characteristics.
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
This design eliminates leakage and sealing issues, reduces the need for precise machining, and allows for efficient fluid control with minimal energy required for full opening, enhancing the reliability and maintenance of carbonated dispensing systems.
Implementation Method 1
A novel ball valve mechanism that uses a spherical object controlled by magnetic or electro-magnetic means to open and close fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
utilizing pressure to seal the orifice
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclosed herein relate to conduits, devices, systems and methods, which may include a dispensing device including a valve configured to interact with an inlet stream, the inlet stream having a first pressure, the valve having an outlet area with an outlet stream, the outlet stream having a second pressure; and a solenoid configured to interact with the outlet stream.