Collapsible Beverage Container Assembly with Pressure Chamber Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal kegs for large-volume carbonated beverages are heavy, costly, and difficult to handle, leading to high transportation costs and storage inefficiencies, and require complex and time-consuming cleaning to maintain hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible beverage container assembly with a connecting element that securely seals to the pressure chamber, using a disc-shaped part with locking and supporting features to withstand high pressure, and a gastight membrane for leak prevention, allowing for easy handling and recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If metal kegs are used for large-volume carbonated beverages, then the beverage can be stored and transported, but the kegs are heavy and cause excessive transportation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the beverage container (collapsible bag) from the structural support elements (rigid cage, pressure chamber). The container itself can be collapsed and compressed into a compact form when empty, dramatically reducing its volume and weight for return trips, while the rigid components provide necessary structural support during dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The beverage container is made from flexible collapsible material (such as plastic bags or flexible bottles) that can be compressed and folded when empty. This flexible shell allows the container to collapse as beverage is dispensed and to be compacted for efficient return transportation, eliminating the need for heavy rigid containers.
2Quantity of substance
If metal kegs are used, then beverage storage is possible, but the kegs require complex and time-consuming cleaning to maintain hygiene
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs single-use or limited-use collapsible beverage containers that are discarded after use rather than cleaned and reused. These containers are designed to be disposed of economically, eliminating the need for complex cleaning procedures while maintaining beverage hygiene. The rigid components (pressure chamber, cage) are simplified in design to facilitate easier cleaning or are used in conjunction with disposable inner containers.
3Weight of moving object
If collapsible plastic bags are used, then weight is reduced, but the bags are too fragile for most practical purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the flexible collapsible bag with a rigid structural cage and pressure chamber. The flexible bag provides lightweight beverage containment and collapse capability, while the rigid cage and pressure chamber provide structural support, protection, and strength to withstand handling and dispensing pressures, creating a composite system that achieves both lightness and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The beverage container system uses composite construction combining flexible plastic materials for the collapsible inner container with rigid materials (metal or rigid plastic) for the outer cage and pressure chamber. This composite structure provides both the weight advantages of flexible materials and the strength advantages of rigid materials.
4Productivity
If conventional dispensing assemblies are used, then beverage dispensing is possible, but the assemblies are expensive and elaborate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from conventional dispensing systems. Instead of using complex assemblies with multiple mechanical parts, the system uses a simplified approach where the collapsible container itself performs the dispensing function through pressure differential, removing the need for elaborate pumping mechanisms, valves, and control systems while maintaining effective beverage dispensing capability.
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 assembly enables efficient handling and recycling of beverage containers while maintaining high-pressure sealing, reducing material usage and transportation costs, and ensuring beverage quality through effective sealing and easy installation.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting elements are adapted for abutment with the lid of the pressure chamber so that a sealing between the lid and beverage container is obtained during use.
Implementation Method 2
a pressure chamber, which is adapted during use to accommodate a beverage container
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for dispensing a beverage includes a collapsible beverage container having a neck part with an outlet. A connecting element is arranged at the neck part so as to receive an inlet end of a dispensing line. The beverage container is contained in a pressure chamber having an interior configured to accommodate the beverage container and a lid. The connecting element is configured for abutment with the lid of the pressure chamber to form a seal between the lid and the beverage container during use.