Liquid Dispenser Valve for Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid flow devices lack a reliable mechanism for selectively dispensing or evacuating liquids, often requiring manual adjustments that can lead to unintended mode switches and inefficient pressure control.
Innovation Solution
A liquid flow device with a multimodal design featuring a control valve and mode selector valve that allows for automatic adjustment between dispensing and evacuation modes, using pressurized gas to create vacuum pressure and control fluid flow through a venturi and pressurization passages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustments are used to switch between dispensing and evacuation modes, then the device can change operating modes, but unintended mode switches occur reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automatic control valve system that uses pressurized gas flow to switch between dispensing and evacuation modes. The control valve automatically responds to pressure changes in the container, eliminating the need for manual intervention and preventing unintended mode switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through pressure-sensitive mechanisms that detect the internal pressure state of the container and automatically adjust the control valve position accordingly. This feedback loop ensures the device maintains the correct operating mode based on real-time pressure conditions, preventing unintended switches.
2Device complexity
If simple pressure control is used, then the device structure remains simple, but optimal pressure control cannot be maintained reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using pressurized gas flow through specifically designed passages to control pressure within the container. The gas supply passage and control valve work together to precisely regulate pressure levels, enabling optimal dispensing or evacuation performance without requiring complex mechanical pressure control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls pressure by changing the flow parameters of pressurized gas through the control valve and passaging system. By adjusting gas flow rate and pressure through the control valve, the system maintains optimal pressure conditions for efficient liquid flow, achieving high productivity without complex mechanical structures.
3Measurement precision
If separate control mechanisms are used for dispensing and evacuation, then mode control precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve is designed as a multi-functional component that handles both dispensing and evacuation modes through a single mechanism. The valve's position determines the flow path configuration, allowing it to precisely control both operating modes without requiring separate control mechanisms, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving precise mode control.
4Device complexity
If pressurized gas is used for both dispensing and creating vacuum, then a single gas supply system suffices, but pressure management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gas supply system is segmented into separate functional passages: a pressurization passage for delivering pressurized gas to the container interior for dispensing, and an evacuation passage with a venturi for creating vacuum. The control valve directs pressurized gas to the appropriate passage based on the desired mode, simplifying pressure management by separating the functions while using a single gas supply source.
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
Enables precise control over liquid flow, preventing unintended mode switches and maintaining optimal pressure, ensuring efficient dispensing or evacuation operations.
Implementation Method 1
An evacuation passage includes a venturi and is configured to be fluidly connected to the interior of the container when the lid is mounted on the container. The evacuation passage is configured to be fluidly connected to the gas supply passage to convey pressurized gas from the source of pressurized gas through the venturi to create a vacuum pressure in the interior of the container.
Implementation Method 2
A pressurization passage is configured to be fluidly connected to the gas supply passage. The pressurization passage is positioned to deliver pressurized gas from the gas supply passage to the interior of the container when the lid is mounted on the container.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid dispenser includes a container and a lid. When the lid is mounted on the container, the container supports passaging including a gas supply inlet and a venturi. A control valve in fluid communication with the passaging is adjustable to a dispensing configuration and an evacuation configuration and a separate mode selector valve is adjustable to a dispensing configuration and an evacuation configuration. The dispenser dispenses liquid when both valves are in the dispensing configuration and evacuates liquid when both valves are in the evacuation configuration. The mode selector valve can block flow through a pressurization passage of the passaging in the evacuation configuration and through the venturi or other evacuation passage in the dispensing configuration.