Refillable CO2 Container Valve Assembly for Overfill Shut-Off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for filling and refilling containers, particularly for gases like carbon dioxide, face challenges in accurately filling without overfilling and preventing equipment damage, while ensuring reliable and repeatable operation.
Innovation Solution
A fluid management system that includes a filling station with control circuitry, sensors, and a float-actuated shut-off valve to monitor fluid pressure and weight, ensuring precise filling by stopping the flow when the container is full, and incorporating RFID tags for identification and tamper resistance to prevent errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a container is filled without a shut-off mechanism, then filling speed increases, but overfilling occurs and equipment damage may result
Solution Approach 1:
The filling system uses a float-actuated shut-off valve that automatically stops fluid flow when the container is full, eliminating the need for external monitoring and manual intervention. The float mechanism rises with the fluid level and directly actuates the valve to close, creating a self-regulating system that prevents overfilling while maintaining high filling speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a float mechanism that provides continuous feedback on the fluid level within the container. When the float reaches the predetermined maximum level, it triggers the shut-off valve to close, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically adjusts the filling process based on real-time conditions to prevent overfilling.
2Reliability
If a float-actuated shut-off valve is used, then overfilling is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The float-actuated shut-off valve is designed to operate autonomously without requiring external power sources, control systems, or manual intervention. The float directly mechanically actuates the valve through linkage, creating a simple self-regulating mechanism that prevents overfilling while minimizing added complexity compared to electronic or pneumatic control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential function needed for overfill prevention - a mechanical float-actuated shut-off mechanism - eliminating unnecessary components such as electronic sensors, control circuits, or complex actuation systems. This streamlined approach provides reliable overfill prevention with minimal increase in device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If RFID tags are incorporated, then identification accuracy and tamper resistance improve, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical or manual identification methods with RFID tags that use electromagnetic fields for contactless identification and data storage. This substitution provides accurate, tamper-resistant identification without requiring physical contact or complex mechanical verification mechanisms, reducing long-term operational complexity despite increased manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tags store multiple parameters including identification data, fill history, and tamper status, allowing the system to track and verify container integrity and contents. This parameter-rich identification system provides enhanced accuracy and security compared to simple labeling, with the added value of automated tracking and verification capabilities.
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 system ensures accurate and safe filling of containers by preventing overfilling and equipment damage, with the RFID tags enhancing security and preventing misuse, thus improving operational reliability and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a float-actuated shut-off valve to monitor fluid pressure and weight
Implementation Method 2
sensors, and a float-actuated shut-off valve to monitor fluid pressure and weight
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for refilling fluid containers. A fluid container may include a bottle and a valve assembly. The valve assembly may include two valves and be configured to engage with the bottle and a filling head or dispensing head. A system is configured to provide pressurized fluid to the refillable container, monitor filling, determine when to stop filling, and determine how much fluid was provided. The valve assembly may include a float mechanism coupled to one of the valves of the valve assembly to ensure fluid flow is stopped when the fluid container is full. The fluid, which can include carbon dioxide, is stored in a storage tank. A flow system provides the fluid to a filling head, which engages with the fluid container. The flow system includes a transfer pump, valves, and sensors configured to provide the fluid to the filling head.