Connector Assembly for Beverage Dispensing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for dispensing alcoholic beverages in large quantities are inefficient due to space and labor requirements, and generate waste, as they involve multiple bottles and complex pump systems, which do not comply with regulatory standards for uniform bottle sizes and packaging.

Innovation Solution

A connector assembly that allows multiple containers with fitments to be connected in a controlled manner, using a housing, valve assembly, actuator, and locking plate assembly, enabling efficient dispensing while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards by keeping the containers in a 'divorced' state during transport and connecting them at the point of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple bottles are used to increase dispensing capacity, then the quantity of beverage available increases, but the space required and labor requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeverage capacityVSAvoidreal estate space
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the beverage storage into multiple separate 1.8-liter bottles, each maintained in its own sterile environment. These segmented containers are then connected through a common manifold system, allowing the space benefits of individual small bottles to be combined with the capacity of multiple bottles working together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple individual bottle assemblies are nested within a larger dispensing system framework. Each bottle fits into its own receptacle on the manifold, creating a nested structure where small individual units are organized within a larger integrated system, maximizing space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Quantity of substance

If multiple bottles are used to increase dispensing capacity, then the quantity of beverage available increases, but the labor required for setup and maintenance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeverage capacityVSAvoidlabor time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Bottles are pre-filled and sealed to the maximum 1.8-liter capacity before use. The system is pre-configured with multiple receptacles and connection points on the manifold, so that bottles can be quickly swapped in and out without requiring complex setup procedures during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables easy self-service bottle replacement where users can simply remove depleted bottles and insert fresh ones into the manifold receptacles. The quick-connect mechanism allows bottles to be automatically sealed and integrated into the dispensing system without requiring technical expertise or extensive labor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If bottles are connected to pumps for dispensing, then the beverage can be dispensed efficiently, but the system complexity and waste generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispensing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and eliminates the complex pump mechanism from the dispensing architecture. Instead of using mechanical pumps to move beverage, the design relies on gravity-fed flow from the elevated manifold through simple valves and tubing directly to the dispensing tap, dramatically reducing system complexity while maintaining dispensing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A common manifold serves as an intermediary component that receives multiple bottles and distributes beverage to the dispensing system. This central hub simplifies the overall architecture by providing a single connection point for multiple containers and a single output path to the tap, reducing the need for complex individual pumping systems for each bottle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If bottles are connected to pumps for dispensing, then the beverage can be dispensed efficiently, but waste and disposal issues increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispensing efficiencyVSAvoidwaste
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous beverage flow from the bottle through the manifold to the dispensing tap without interruption or contamination. By eliminating pump contact points and using a direct gravity-fed pathway with minimal connection points, the system prevents waste from pump contamination, leakage, and premature bottle disposal, allowing complete utilization of each 1.8-liter bottle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12103841B1Connector assembly
Publication Date: 2024.10.01 BAR EVOLUTION LLC
  • US12103841B1 patent drawing
  • US12103841B1 patent drawing
  • US12103841B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A connector assembly controllably couples a box having a plurality of containers containing a liquid, is provided. Each container has a fitment. The connector assembly includes a housing, a valve assembly, actuator and a locking plate. The valve assembly includes a plurality of fitment receptacles. The actuator is rotatably coupled to the housing and is movable between an open position, a closed position and an engaged position. The locking plate assembly includes a plurality of opening corresponding to each fitment. The opening has a first diameter when the actuator is in the open position. The first diameter of the opening is configured to allow entry of the fitments into the opening. Movement of the actuator from the open position to the closed position closes the opening to a second diameter.