Conical Valve Assembly for Carbonated Beverage Dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dispensers for carbonated beverages, such as cans and bottles, suffer from issues like rapid carbonation loss, foaming, and incomplete dispensing due to pressure fluctuations and inability to reseal, making them unsuitable for home use and multiple servings.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser with a two-stage valve assembly that regulates the flow rate of liquid from a pressurized container, using the container's pressure to dispense the beverage, which prevents foaming and maintains carbonation by ensuring a smooth transition from high pressure to ambient pressure, allowing for uniform dispensing and minimizing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional seltzer bottles use the beverage's own carbonation pressure to propel liquid, then no additional gas container is needed, but the pressure fluctuates as the beverage is depleted causing uncontrolled dispensing and foaming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary gas container separate from the beverage container, which stores carbon dioxide gas independently. This mediator provides stable pressure to the beverage throughout dispensing, decoupling the pressure source from the beverage volume, thus resolving the pressure fluctuation problem while maintaining system simplicity.
2Productivity
If the beverage is dispensed quickly when the bottle is full, then dispensing speed is high, but the beverage is propelled out too quickly causing foaming and carbonation loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic valve assembly with movable valve members that automatically adjust the flow restriction based on pressure conditions. As the beverage is dispensed and pressure changes, the valve members move to maintain optimal flow control, preventing both excessive speed and foaming while preserving carbonation throughout the dispensing process.
3Productivity
If conventional dispensers allow rapid flow of carbonated beverage, then dispensing is fast, but foaming occurs and carbonation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow parameters dynamically by using valve members with varying opening sizes and shapes. The valve assembly adjusts flow rate, pressure differential, and flow velocity to optimize dispensing while preventing foaming and carbonation loss, achieving both high productivity and reliable carbonation retention.
4Ease of operation
If cans are opened for carbonated beverages, then they are inexpensive and easy to use, but they cannot be resealed and carbonation leaks over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the beverage container itself and implements it through a separate, reusable dispenser assembly with a valve mechanism. This allows the beverage container to remain sealed until dispensing begins, and the valve system maintains pressure and prevents carbonation leakage throughout the dispensing process, combining the simplicity of cans with the reusability and carbonation retention of sealed containers.
5Adaptability or versatility
If bottles are opened multiple times for carbonated beverages, then they can be resealed, but carbonation still escapes and the beverage becomes flat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a valve assembly as an intermediary between the beverage container and the dispensing system. This mediator maintains a sealed environment throughout multiple dispensing cycles, controlling the release of carbonated beverage and preventing carbonation escape, thus enabling reusable bottles to maintain carbonation levels across multiple uses.
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 dispenser effectively regulates the dispensing rate, prevents foaming, and maintains carbonation, ensuring that nearly all liquid is dispensed at a uniform carbonation level, reducing waste and extending the retention of dissolved gases in the beverage.
Implementation Method 1
regulates the flow rate of liquid from a pressurized container, using the container's pressure to dispense the beverage, which prevents foaming and maintains carbonation by ensuring a smooth transition from high pressure to ambient pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser includes a dispenser body which defines a flow passage, a valve assembly, and an actuator. The valve assembly is disposed in the flow passage and includes a first valve member and a second valve member. An actuator is coupled to the valve assembly. When the actuator is manipulated through a first range of motion, only the first of the two valve members is displaced, and when the actuator is manipulated through a second range of motion, both the first and second valve members are displaced in unison.