Deformable Liquid Dispenser Valve for Complete Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water dispensers are not user-friendly, lead to water waste due to incomplete drainage, and require significant logistical efforts for refilling and recycling, with existing deformable containers not fully addressing these issues.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispenser system featuring a deformable container with a valve that allows two operating modes: one for complete liquid drainage with minimal air entry, and another for air admission to compensate volume loss, optimizing water yield and reducing material usage, while improving liquid freshness and recycling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a thick rigid container is used to store liquid, then the container strength and integrity are improved, but the space utilization deteriorates when the container is empty as it cannot be collapsed
Solution Approach 1:
The container transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic structure that can change its shape. The container wall is designed with deformable properties allowing it to collapse inward as liquid is dispensed, adapting its volume to the remaining liquid amount while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The container employs a flexible thin-walled structure instead of thick rigid material. This thin-walled design allows the container to deform and collapse as liquid is dispensed, significantly reducing the volume occupied by the empty container while maintaining sufficient strength to contain the liquid under operating conditions.
2Productivity
If air is allowed to enter the container during liquid dispensing, then the liquid flow is maintained, but liquid contamination and freshness deterioration occur
Solution Approach 1:
The valve structure is segmented into separate functional zones: a first outlet for liquid dispensing and a second outlet for air admission. This segmentation allows liquid and air flows to occur independently through separate pathways, enabling continuous liquid flow while minimizing air contact with the liquid bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve acts as an intermediary device that mediates between the need for air admission to maintain liquid flow and the need to prevent liquid contamination. By controlling air entry through a dedicated second outlet positioned away from the liquid outlet, the valve enables productivity while protecting liquid freshness.
3Volume of stationary object
If the container is made deformable to reduce empty volume, then space utilization is improved, but the container may collapse prematurely or allow air entry
Solution Approach 1:
The container wall parameters (thickness, material properties, geometric configuration) are optimized to achieve the desired balance between deformability and structural stability. The wall is thin enough to allow collapse but thick enough and properly configured to prevent premature collapse and control air entry timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The container structure is designed to be dynamically stable during the dispensing process, maintaining its shape and preventing premature collapse while allowing controlled deformation as liquid is dispensed. The structural stability is maintained through appropriate wall design that responds appropriately to the changing internal pressure conditions.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a valve system with multiple outlets is used to control liquid and air flow separately, then liquid freshness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs multiple functions: controlling liquid flow through the first outlet, admitting air through the second outlet, and preventing liquid contamination. This universal design achieves improved liquid freshness while avoiding excessive complexity by integrating multiple functions into a single valve structure.
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 system ensures complete drainage without waste, reduces material usage, enhances user convenience, and extends the freshness of liquids by minimizing air exposure, facilitating easier recycling and reducing logistical costs.
Implementation Method 1
the container is deformable under atmospheric pressure so that the container volume decreases to compensate at least 80% of the liquid volume drained out of the container
Implementation Method 2
a valve connected to the container, and connected to the control unit to selectively release or stop a flow of the liquid out of the container
Implementation Method 3
the valve releases a flow of liquid out of the container, and allows a flow of gas into the container when the control unit is actuated by the user
Data Source
AI summary
System for dispensing a liquid to a user, comprising:a container,a liquid,a dispenser, arranged to receive and hold the container in a dispensing position, and comprising a control unit user,a valve connected to the container, and connected to the control unit to selectively release or stop a flow of the liquid out of the container, characterized in that:upon releasing at least a part of the liquid, the container is deformable, the valve releasing a flow of the liquid out of the container, andupon releasing at least another part of the liquid, the valve releases a flow of liquid out of the container, and allows a flow of gas into the container.