Controlled Liquid Pourer With Locking And Flow Control Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The distribution, consumption, and payment of liquor are inefficient, inaccurate, and largely manual, with issues in measuring and reporting liquor amounts and types, and a need for secure and efficient controlled liquid pourers to prevent unauthorized consumption.
Innovation Solution
A controlled liquid pourer with a liquid path, air path, flow control mechanism, locking mechanism, and mechanical coupling mechanism, featuring a threaded rotatable element that locks or releases the pourer from the bottle, and a limiter mechanism using springs and pins to control liquor flow and prevent unauthorized disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unauthorized disconnection, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated with the pourer body and bottle cap structure, combining security functionality with existing structural elements. The lock engages with the bottle neck and pourer body in a unified assembly, avoiding separate independent locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism serves multiple functions: it secures the pourer to the bottle, controls the pouring action, and prevents unauthorized disconnection. The same structural elements that enable pouring also provide locking capability, making the mechanism multi-functional.
2Measurement precision
If flow control mechanisms are added to measure and control liquor flow, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control mechanism is integrated into the liquid path structure of the pourer. The same channels and passages that guide liquor flow also serve as measurement references, combining flow control and measurement functions in a unified structure rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses geometric parameters of the liquid path (cross-sectional area, length, shape) to control and measure flow characteristics. By designing specific channel dimensions and configurations, the system achieves precise flow measurement and control without requiring additional sensing or actuation components.
3Reliability
If mechanical coupling mechanisms are added to prevent rotation during locking, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical coupling mechanism is integrated with the locking mechanism structure. The same elements that provide locking (engagement between pourer and bottle) also prevent rotational movement, combining anti-rotation and locking functions in a unified mechanical assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical coupling features asymmetric geometries that allow linear locking engagement but prevent rotational movement. The coupling surfaces are designed with specific orientations and profiles that permit insertion and locking in one direction while blocking rotation through mismatched geometries.
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
Ensures accurate measurement and secure liquor dispensing by controlling liquor flow and preventing unauthorized disconnection, enhancing efficiency and security in liquor distribution and consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The second interfacing part may be movable by gravitation between the first position and the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A controlled liquid pourer that may include a liquid path, an air path, a flow control mechanism that is configured to control, during a liquid consumption iteration, (a) a flow of liquor from a bottle and through the liquid path, and (b) a flow of air through the air path and into the bottle, a mechanical coupling mechanism and a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the controlled liquid pourer to the bottle.