Dispensing Nozzle Assembly With Linked Closure and Flow Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beer dispensing apparatuses face issues with foam formation and complexity, particularly when filling from the top, and the use of magnetic materials in bottom-filling systems is costly and not recyclable, and the actuator assemblies are bulky and expensive.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing nozzle assembly with movable closure means and a magnetic switch that allows fluid flow control, integrated with a compact actuator assembly featuring parallel movement of solenoid and plunger for efficient fluid dispensing, and a recyclable non-magnetic receptacle design for bottom filling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If magnetic material is used in the container base for bottom-filling dispensing, then the container can be automatically detected and engaged by the dispenser, but the container becomes expensive and non-recyclable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic detection and engagementVSAvoidcontainer cost and recyclability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the magnetic detection system with a mechanical detection system. The container base is fitted with a detectable feature (such as a protrusion or specific geometric shape) that is detected by a mechanical sensor or switch in the dispenser. This mechanical approach eliminates the need for expensive magnetic materials in the container while maintaining automatic detection and engagement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a complex valve actuator assembly with perpendicular solenoid and plunger arrangement is used, then reliable valve control is achieved, but the assembly becomes bulky and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve control reliabilityVSAvoidactuator assembly size and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the solenoid and plunger into a single integrated actuator assembly with a parallel arrangement. The solenoid rod and plunger move together in the same direction (parallel to each other), eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and intermediate components required in perpendicular arrangements. This integration reduces the overall size, simplifies the structure, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable valve control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional perpendicular arrangement of solenoid and plunger by using a parallel arrangement instead. This fundamental design reversal simplifies the mechanical transmission path, reduces the number of moving parts, and creates a more compact actuator assembly that is both cheaper to manufacture and equally reliable in controlling the valve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If top filling of beer glass is used, then dispensing can be performed with simple apparatus, but foam formation increases and requires additional time or manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing apparatus simplicityVSAvoiddispensing time and foam management

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional top-filling approach by implementing bottom-filling dispensing. The dispenser nozzle is positioned at the bottom of the container, and fluid is dispensed upward through the container. This inversion of the filling direction allows for controlled foam formation at the bottom that rises naturally, eliminating the need for manual foam removal and reducing dispensing time while maintaining apparatus simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 solution reduces foam formation, simplifies the dispensing process, and reduces costs by using recyclable materials and a more compact design, enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

switch means moveable between an 'on' position for allowing fluid to flow into the nozzle member and an 'off' position for preventing fluid flowing into the nozzle member in use

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The actuator assembly includes a solenoid, solenoid spring and solenoid plunger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentUS11001488B2Fluid dispensing apparatus and method of use thereof

Publication Date: 2021.05.11 BOND JONATHAN

AI summary

A dispensing nozzle assembly is provided including a nozzle member provided with one or more dispensing apertures to allow fluid to be dispensed therefrom in use. Closure means are provided on or associated with the nozzle member and movable relative thereto between a closed position, wherein the closure means closes the dispensing apertures and fluid cannot be dispensed from the dispensing apertures, and an open position, wherein the closure means are moved at least partially clear of the dispensing apertures and fluid can be dispensed through the dispensing apertures in use. Switch means are moveable between an “on” position for allowing fluid to flow into the nozzle member for dispensing through the dispensing apertures in use, and an “off” position for preventing fluid flowing into the nozzle member in use. The switch means are arranged such that movement of the closure means relative to the nozzle member moves or actuates the switch means between the on and off positions in use.