Dispensing Tap Actuator Using Conical Spring Washer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing taps for liquids, such as those used in 'Bag-In-Box' applications, are complex and require multiple parts for assembly, leading to increased costs and potential for malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing tap design featuring an actuator formed by combining an actuator base and a conical spring washer, which is then inserted into a valve housing, reducing the number of parts and utilizing a two-material spring design for simplified assembly and cost savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If existing dispensing taps use multiple parts for assembly, then the sealing and dispensing capabilities are maintained, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator base and conical spring washer are combined into a single integrated actuator component through molding, reducing the total part count while maintaining the sealing function through the integrated design of the conical spring washer that seals against the valve seat
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is formed using two-shot molding with a hard plastic outer layer and a soft plastic inner layer, creating a composite material structure that provides both structural integrity and sealing capability in a single component
2Ease of manufacture
If existing dispensing taps use multiple parts, then the sealing function is achieved, but the assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple components (actuator base, conical spring washer, and seals) are merged into a single molded actuator, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing assembly difficulty while maintaining the sealing function through the integrated conical spring washer design
Solution Approach 2:
The conical spring washer is designed to automatically seal against the valve seat through spring force when the actuator is in the closed position, eliminating the need for additional sealing mechanisms or complex assembly procedures
3Ease of manufacture
If existing dispensing taps use more parts, then the sealing is maintained, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator base, conical spring washer, and seals are combined into a single molded component, reducing the number of parts to manufacture, assemble, and inventory, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining sealing performance through the integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is extracted and integrated directly into the actuator component through the conical spring washer, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and reducing overall part count and manufacturing cost
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 results in a compact, easy-to-assemble tap with fewer parts, lower production costs, and improved functionality, while maintaining effective sealing and dispensing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a conical spring washer (18) made from a hard plastic material or a two material construction... A force is exerted on the conical spring washer (18) to actuate the actuator base (16)... Upon releasing the force, the conical spring washer (18) returns back to its original position
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing tap for beverages that comprises an actuator and a valve housing. A conical spring washer is joined and/or sealed to an actuator base to form the actuator. The actuator is then inserted into the valve housing to form the dispensing tap for attachment to a container containing a liquid. In use, a force is exerted on the conical spring washer to actuate the actuator base within the valve housing and thereby create an opening and/or passageway in the dispensing tap. Once opened and as the force is maintained, the liquid in the container can flow through the opening or passageway for dispensing the liquid out the dispensing tap. Upon releasing the force, the conical spring washer returns back to its original position. This movement of the conical spring washer causes the actuator base to move in the reverse direction within the valve housing thereby closing the opening and/or eliminating the passageway in the dispensing tap. The resultant seal of the actuator base to the valve housing prevents any further liquid from being dispensed from the container.