Carbonation Canister Socket for Leak-Safe Linear Insertion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carbonation machines require complex and potentially damaging manual replacement of gas canisters, often involving threading and multiple rotations, which can lead to overtightening and seal damage.

Innovation Solution

A carbonation machine design featuring a canister holder with a socket and seal that allows linear insertion and removal of gas canisters, utilizing a holding mechanism with gaskets and teeth to secure the valve, and a poppet mechanism for gas release, along with lateral ports to minimize thrust and simplify canister replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual threading and multiple rotations are used to replace gas canisters, then secure connection is achieved, but risk of overtightening and seal damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidovertightening damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional threaded mechanical connection system with a linear insertion system featuring a socket and valve interface. The connector includes a socket with sealing surfaces that mate with the valve body through simple linear motion, eliminating the need for rotational threading operations that cause overtightening damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a connector assembly as an intermediary component between the canister holder and the gas canister valve. This connector includes a socket with sealing surfaces and alignment features that guide the valve body into proper position, ensuring secure connection without requiring user application of rotational force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If linear insertion is used for canister replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but sealing reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecanister replacement simplicityVSAvoidseal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies localized sealing surfaces at the interface between the connector socket and valve body. The socket includes specific sealing surfaces positioned at the insertion interface, and the valve body includes corresponding sealing surfaces that mate locally to create gas-tight seals without requiring complex sealing mechanisms throughout the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The connector socket includes pre-formed sealing surfaces and alignment features that are prepared in advance. When the valve body is linearly inserted, these pre-prepared surfaces automatically engage to create seals, eliminating the need for user actions during the sealing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If traditional valve connection is used, then gas flow control is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas flow controlVSAvoidconnection mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the gas delivery system into separate functional modules: a connector assembly with socket, a valve assembly with body and poppet, and a canister holder. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall connection mechanism through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector assembly with its socket design serves multiple functions: it provides sealing surfaces for gas-tight connection, alignment features for proper valve orientation, and a mounting interface for the canister holder. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 canister replacement without risk of overtightening or seal damage, ensuring efficient and secure gas flow for carbonation, and supports connection to a filling system for refilling.

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 EffectPhysical Containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS20250288962A1Carbonation machine and a gas canister for a carbonation machine

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 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.