Carbonated Drink Dispenser Valve Elimination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbonated drink dispensers, particularly for beer, have complex operating mechanisms and require a plastic shut-off valve at the end of the dispensing line, which is costly and complicates accurate dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser and container combination where the handle directly operates the spring-loaded valve on the container, eliminating the need for an intermediate shut-off valve, allowing for controlled dispensing and simplifying the mechanism, with a pivot point and sealing mechanism to ensure accurate and straight-line movement of the striker limb.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a plastic shut-off valve is constructed at the end of the flexible dispensing line, then the dispensing mechanism can be operated, but the construction becomes relatively complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the intermediate plastic shut-off valve from the dispensing system. Instead of having a valve at the end of the dispensing line, the system uses the container's own spring-loaded valve directly, removing the complex intermediate component while maintaining dispensing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the container valve directly with the dispensing line connection. The spring-loaded valve in the container serves dual purposes: both as the dispensing control mechanism and as the connection point for the dispensing line, eliminating the need for a separate shut-off valve.
2Ease of operation
If a plastic shut-off valve is used at the end of the dispensing line, then dispensing control is achieved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the expensive plastic shut-off valve from the system, utilizing the container's existing spring-loaded valve instead. This extraction of the intermediate component significantly reduces production costs while maintaining dispensing control functionality.
3Ease of operation
If a plastic shut-off valve is constructed, then dispensing mechanism operation is enabled, but the dispensing line cannot be easily cleaned and must be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the plastic shut-off valve and intermediate components, the dispensing line becomes a simple, open conduit that can be easily cleaned and sanitized. The direct connection between the container valve and dispensing outlet eliminates dead zones and complex geometries that trap residue.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables the dispensing line to be recovered and reused after cleaning, rather than being discarded. The simplified design without intermediate valves allows for effective cleaning and extends the service life of the dispensing system.
4Ease of operation
If an intermediate shut-off valve is used, then the dispensing mechanism can function, but the taste of beer deteriorates and shelf life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the intermediate shut-off valve that causes contamination. By eliminating this component, the beer flows directly from the container through the dispensing line without contact with materials that could affect taste or introduce contamination, preserving quality and shelf life.
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
This design enables accurate and controlled dispensing of carbonated drinks, reduces production costs, allows for easy cleaning of the dispensing line, and improves the taste and shelf life of beer by eliminating the need for a plastic shut-off valve and enabling reusable dispensing lines.
Implementation Method 1
a dispensing valve, closed under spring tension, for dispensing carbonated drink
Implementation Method 2
Air is fed via the air connection into the space between the flexible bag and the wall of the container, so that the drink is driven out of the container
Data Source
AI summary
Combination of a dispenser (1) and container (7) for carbonated drink, the container being provided at the top with an outflow channel (10), extending in the direction of the central axis of the container, and a dispensing valve (11), closed under spring tension, for dispensing carbonated drink via a dispensing line (12, 13) connected to the outflow channel (10), the dispenser (1) being provided with a chill chamber (4) for accommodating the container (7) and with a dispensing head (15) with a handle (17) whereby the handle (17) is connected to an operating member (18, 20) that, during use, engages on the dispensing valve (11).