Dispensing enclosure for a container
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container dispensing systems face issues with partial vacuum buildup, leading to uneven fluid dispensing due to the lack of a return air valve, which can prevent fluid from being dispensed altogether, and are often complex and costly due to multiple parts.
Innovation Solution
A seal and valve system with a ring having an inner and outer circumference that changes configuration to allow air return, featuring a plunger and bias element for fluid control, and adjustable apertures for airflow, integrated into a cap with ratcheting and detents for secure attachment, minimizing parts and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a return air valve is added to allow air to enter the container, then fluid dispensing becomes even and consistent, but the number of parts increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the return air valve function with the dispensing valve by integrating a flexible membrane that serves dual purposes: sealing the dispensing opening and allowing air to pass through when the container is pressurized. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining reliable fluid dispensing consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane in the dispensing valve assembly performs multiple functions: it acts as a seal when the container is full, allows air intake when pressurized, and controls fluid flow. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate return air valve components, reducing manufacturing complexity while ensuring consistent dispensing.
2Reliability
If a piston valve and duck bill valve are used to dispense fluid and allow air return, then fluid dispensing is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to multiple parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the piston valve and duck bill valve into a single integrated dispensing valve assembly where a flexible membrane replaces the need for separate air intake and fluid control components. This reduces part count and manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable fluid dispensing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components like the duck bill valve by directly using the flexible membrane of the dispensing valve to perform the air return function. This simplification reduces manufacturing steps and material costs while preserving the essential fluid dispensing performance.
3Reliability
If the seal ring is made rigid to maintain sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but air return capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane instead of a rigid seal ring, allowing the seal to dynamically adapt its shape and permeability based on container pressure. When pressurized, the membrane becomes more permeable to air while maintaining sealing effectiveness, providing both reliable sealing and air return capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the seal from rigid to flexible, enabling it to alter its sealing characteristics in response to pressure changes. This flexibility allows the seal to maintain effectiveness during dispensing while permitting air return when the container is pressurized, achieving both goals simultaneously.
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 even fluid dispensing by allowing air return, reducing vacuum, and can adjust flow rates, while simplifying production and reducing costs through fewer components.
Implementation Method 1
the curvature of the seal is flexible and capable of allowing air to pass thereby
Implementation Method 2
a bias element urging the plunger to the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
Dispensing enclosure system for a container includes a body having an exterior surface and an interior surface, where the interior surface is configured to be coupled to the container. The system includes a valve on the exterior surface of the body, where the valve is capable of allowing fluid to exit from the container. The system also includes a seal disposed within the interior surface of the body, the seal having an inner circumference and an outer circumference such that in a relaxed configuration each of the inner circumference and the outer circumference is located on a separate plane, and in an engaged configuration a first portion of the inner circumference and the outer circumference are located substantially on the same plane, and a second portion of the inner circumference forms a curvature, where the second portion is between the first portion and the outer circumference.