Corked Bottle Dispensing System with Floating Tip

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensing systems for corked bottles are difficult to insert, prone to breakage, have complex and hard-to-operate valves, fail to purge air before insertion, and lack portability and expandability for both individual and commercial use, while also detracting from the aesthetic appearance and requiring excessive strength for assembly.

Innovation Solution

A system with a manifold assembly connected to a pressurized gas source, a tube assembly extending through the cork with a floating tip assembly that automatically or manually deploys to allow gas and liquid flow, and is purged with inert gas to prevent air introduction, featuring a non-coring tip and ergonomic design for ease of use and assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a tubular member is used to penetrate the cork closure, then fluid communication with the bottle interior is established, but the device becomes difficult to insert and easily breakable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of insertion deviceVSAvoidease of insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion device is divided into multiple components: an outer tube, an inner tube, and a floating tip assembly. The outer tube provides structural support for easy insertion, while the inner tube and floating tip can move independently to prevent breakage and control flow. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The floating tip assembly is designed to move dynamically within the outer tube. It can float freely to seal around the cork or be manually positioned to control liquid flow. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt to different insertion scenarios and prevents breakage by allowing movement rather than rigid fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If valves are added to control liquid flow, then dispensing control is improved, but the device becomes difficult to construct and operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing controlVSAvoidvalve construction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The floating tip assembly serves multiple functions automatically: it seals around the cork when inserted, controls liquid flow by floating to block or open passages, and can be manually positioned by the user without additional valve mechanisms. This self-service design eliminates complex external valve systems while maintaining dispensing control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the tube assembly is inserted directly into the bottle, then dispensing begins immediately, but air is introduced into the bottle compromising preservation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing speedVSAvoidpreservation quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tube assembly is purged with inert gas before insertion into the bottle. This preliminary action removes air from the tubes and replaces it with protective inert gas, ensuring that no air is introduced into the bottle when the tubes are inserted. The inert gas atmosphere is maintained throughout the dispensing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If a complex assembly structure is used to prevent breakage, then reliability improves, but portability and ease of assembly deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to breakageVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into modular components (outer tube, inner tube, floating tip, cap assembly) that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Each component is simple in design, using basic materials like food-grade plastic or stainless steel, maintaining portability while the combined structure provides breakage resistance through proper geometric design and material selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

5Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are used to achieve functionality, then device capability improves, but assembly complexity and tool requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidassembly simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into the floating tip assembly: sealing around the cork, controlling liquid flow, and being purgable with inert gas. The cap assembly combines the gas source connection, liquid dispensing valve, and user interface elements. This functional merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies assembly while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9181021B2Preservation and dispensing system for corked bottles

Publication Date: 2015.11.10 MANERA JEFFREY J

AI summary

The invention involves a system and method for preserving and dispensing liquids from a corked bottle. The system includes a manifold connected to a supply of pressurized gas. Fluidly connected to the manifold is a tube assembly, which extends through the cork of a bottle for the introduction of pressurized gas to the inner portion of the bottle. A second tube within the tube assembly is provided for the transfer of liquid out of the bottle to the manifold for dispensing through the dispensing valve. A floating tip assembly is provided on the distal end of the outer tube member for covering the gas and liquid openings during insertion of the tube assembly into the bottle. The floating tip assembly moves either automatically or manually after insertion of the tube assembly to allow gas and fluid to flow through the assembly.