Coupling Element Valve Circuit for Liquid Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing removal systems for liquids, particularly crop protection agents, face challenges in efficiently withdrawing and rinsing containers without cross-contamination and efficient handling.
Innovation Solution
A removal system with a coupling element featuring a valve circuit that integrates multiple functions, allowing for liquid withdrawal, flushing, and detergent supply without external valves, enabling efficient handling and minimizing cross-contamination through various valve positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are arranged in the extraction line or detergent supply line, then liquid withdrawal and flushing functions are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve circuit within the coupling element. This valve circuit can selectively connect different passages to control both liquid withdrawal and flushing operations, eliminating the need for separate valves in the extraction line and detergent supply line, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining functional versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element with the integrated valve circuit serves multiple functions: it acts as both a withdrawal connection and a flushing connection, and the valve circuit itself performs multiple switching functions to control different flow paths. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system
2Ease of manufacture
If detergent is supplied to the container during partial withdrawal, then container rinsing is achieved, but cross-contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The valve circuit is designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing selective activation of different passages based on the operational mode. During partial withdrawal, the valve circuit can be configured to close the passage from the second connection opening to the container-side opening, preventing detergent from entering the container and causing cross-contamination, while still allowing container rinsing functionality when needed
3Ease of operation
If the extraction line is flushed by piercing the container wall, then line flushing is achieved, but handling complexity and container damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary flushing of the extraction line by directing detergent through the valve circuit into the extraction line before container rinsing or after withdrawal. This preliminary action cleans the extraction line without requiring container wall piercing, simplifying the flushing mechanism and avoiding container damage while maintaining ease of operation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a coupling element for a liquid extraction system (11) from a container (7) with at least one container-side opening (4, 5), at least one first connection opening (2) for an extraction line (16), at least one second connection opening (3) for a detergent supply line (19) and a valve circuit (6) which is arranged between the container-side opening (4, 5), the first connection opening (2) and the second connection opening (3).The coupling element according to the invention is characterized in that, in a first position (A) of the valve circuit (6), a passage from the container-side opening (4) to the first connection opening (2) is open, and the passage from the second connection opening (3) to the container-side opening (5) is closed, and in a second position (B) of the valve circuit (6), a passage from the container-side opening (4) to the first connection opening (2) is open, and the passage from the second connection opening (3) to the container-side opening (5) is open. Furthermore, the invention relates to a dispensing system for dispensing liquids (11) with a container (7) for receiving the liquid (11) to be dispensed and such a coupling element (1).