Delayed Venting Dual Receptacle Button System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing taps with a single valve require a secondary opening in the container for air to enter when dispensing fluids, leading to inefficiencies and potential fluid loss through the vent opening.

Innovation Solution

A dual port dispenser button system with an elastic button, a dispensing valve, and a vent valve, where the vent valve opens only after the dispensing valve has initiated fluid flow, allowing air to enter the container while minimizing fluid loss through the vent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single valve is used for fluid dispensing, then the device complexity is reduced, but fluid loss occurs through the vent opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve system complexityVSAvoidfluid loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The button system is segmented into two distinct valve mechanisms: a first valve with a valve seal member for dispensing fluid, and a second valve with a deflection part for venting air. This segmentation allows independent control of fluid dispensing and air venting functions, preventing fluid loss while maintaining manageable complexity through functional separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic timing control where the vent valve opens after fluid flow is established. The deflection part remains in a first position during initial dispensing and transitions to a second position subsequently, creating a dynamic sequence that prioritizes fluid retention while enabling necessary air venting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the vent valve opens immediately with the dispensing valve, then air can enter the container, but fluid loss through the vent opening increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing efficiencyVSAvoidfluid loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by establishing fluid flow through the dispensing valve before opening the vent valve. The valve seal member is moved first to initiate fluid dispensing, and only after this action is confirmed does the deflection part transition to open the vent, ensuring fluid flow is already established to minimize loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The timing sequence is made dynamic rather than simultaneous. The button system transitions through distinct states: first moving the valve seal member to enable fluid flow, then subsequently moving the deflection part to enable venting. This dynamic sequencing optimizes productivity while minimizing fluid loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the button elastically springs back immediately, then the valve seal member returns to seal the dispensing port, but the deflection part may not have time to return to block the vent opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve sealing reliabilityVSAvoidfluid loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The return sequence is dynamically controlled to ensure proper timing. When the button springs back, the deflection part transitions from the second position to the first position before the valve seal member fully returns to seal the dispensing port. This dynamic sequencing ensures the vent opening is blocked first, preventing fluid loss, then the dispensing port is sealed for reliable closure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides beforehand cushioning by ensuring the deflection part returns to block the vent opening in advance of the valve seal member returning to seal the dispensing port. This preparatory action prevents potential fluid loss that could occur if the vent remained open during the sealing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 continuous fluid dispensing without interrupting flow by allowing air to enter the container through the vent valve, minimizing fluid loss and maintaining efficient dispensing.

Implementation Method 1

The dispenser button system may elastically spring back to its original shape when it is no longer depressed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the deflection part to elastically spring back to its first position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11286153B1Delayed venting of a dual receptacle, multifunction button system

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 LIQUI BOX CORP

AI summary

A dual port dispenser button system with an elastic receptacle button having a first latch receiver and a second latch receiver, and a dispenser with a dispensing valve and vent valve. The dispensing valve includes a valve seal member and first button latch. The vent valve includes an elastomer deflection part and flexible connector. The button has a first and second depressed position. In the first depressed position, the dispensing valve seal member moves from a first position where it seals the dispensing port to a second position where it does not seal the dispensing port while the deflection part remains in a first position where it seals a vent port. In the second depressed position, the valve seal member moves to a third position that does not seal the dispensing port and the deflection part moves to a second position where it does not seal the vent port.