Collapsible Beer Bag Dispenser with Multi-Path Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beer dispensing systems rely on heavy metal kegs, which are cumbersome, require specific delivery venues, and struggle with volume consistency and gas control, leading to inefficiencies and waste.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible beer bag system with a multi-path valve that allows for portable, flexible beer dispensing without the need for heavy kegs, enabling easy transport and use in various locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heavy metal kegs are used for beer dispensing, then the beer can be retained under pressure and dispensed reliably, but the system becomes cumbersome, difficult to transport, and requires specific delivery venues with cellar systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the beer storage and dispensing function into separate components: a collapsible flexible bag for beer storage and a separate rigid dispenser unit for pressurization and dispensing. This segmentation allows the heavy pressurization system to remain stationary while the lightweight flexible bag can be easily transported and replaced, resolving the contradiction between reliability and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid dispenser unit acts as an intermediary between the flexible beer bag and the dispensing tap. It provides the necessary pressurization and structural support while allowing the flexible bag to be easily changed. This intermediary component enables reliable pressurized dispensing without requiring the entire system to be heavy and fixed.
2Duration of action of moving object
If large volume kegs (50 litres) are used, then the beer supply duration is extended, but the volume consistency control becomes difficult and waste increases due to over-carbonation and residual volume issues
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bag dynamically changes volume as beer is dispensed, automatically adjusting the internal pressure and gas-to-liquid ratio. This dynamic adaptation prevents over-carbonation and ensures consistent volume control throughout the dispensing process, eliminating the precision problems associated with fixed-volume kegs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and volume parameters of the beer container from rigid to flexible, allowing the bag to contract as beer is dispensed. This parameter change enables automatic pressure regulation and consistent carbonation levels throughout the entire beer supply duration.
3Ease of operation
If gas is used to pressurize the beer in the keg, then the beer can be dispensed, but the gas must be precisely controlled to avoid over-carbonation or tainting the beer
Solution Approach 1:
The gas pressurization system is separated from the beer storage bag, with gas being introduced into the rigid dispenser unit rather than directly into the flexible beer bag. This segmentation simplifies gas control and eliminates the risk of over-carbonation and beer tainting while maintaining ease of operation.
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 collapsible beer bag system provides a lightweight, portable solution for beer dispensing, reducing waste and inefficiencies associated with traditional keg systems, while allowing for precise control over beer flow and gas pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a second flexible compartment (pressure bag) for receiving pressurised gas and thereby exerting pressure on the alongside beer bag to force the beer from the beer bag to the delivery port
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible bag for use in dispensing gaseous fluids, the collapsible bag including three collapsible enclosures. Two of the collapsible enclosures have respective fluid paths extending from internal to external of the outer enclosure. The configuration of the food quality of an inner enclosures and the integrity of the third outer enclosure and as well as the relative volume of one inner enclosure to the outer enclosures effects the dispensing mechanism of the pressure which allows transfer of the pressure without fluid interaction to another of the at inner collapsible enclosures and selective dispensing.