Dual-Check Connector Assembly for Air-Free Fluid Dispensing

Solution Overview

Problem

Prior-art connectors for bag-in-box containers allow substances to come into contact with air, risking oxidation and contamination, and are difficult to clean due to the presence of springs maintaining the valve shutter in the closed position.

Innovation Solution

A connector assembly with two check valves, one opened by a pin and the other by vacuum, ensuring minimal air contact and eliminating the need for springs, featuring a hermetic connection and tamper-proof design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a prior-art connector with a spring-loaded check valve is used, then the valve can be opened by a pin, but the liquid comes into contact with air inside the valve causing oxidation and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve opening mechanismVSAvoidoxidation and contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the spring component from the connector assembly. By eliminating the spring, the internal chamber that previously contained air is removed, preventing liquid contact with air and thus preventing oxidation and contamination while maintaining valve functionality through a springless check valve design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates an inert or air-free environment within the valve chamber by eliminating the spring component. This prevents harmful oxidation and contamination reactions between the liquid and air molecules that would otherwise be present in the valve interior

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Reliability

If a spring is used to maintain the shutter disc in the closed position, then the valve function is achieved, but the connector becomes difficult to clean

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve functionVSAvoidcleanability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the spring component from the connector assembly. By eliminating the spring, the internal chamber that previously contained air is removed, preventing liquid contact with air and thus preventing oxidation and contamination while maintaining valve functionality through a springless check valve design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention segments the valve mechanism to eliminate the spring component, creating a simpler, more accessible structure that is easier to clean. The springless design allows for better access to internal surfaces and eliminates crevices where spring components would trap debris

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a spring-loaded check valve is used, then the valve can maintain closed position, but the device complexity increases due to elastic means

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve closed position maintenanceVSAvoidelastic means

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the spring component from the connector assembly. By eliminating the spring, the internal chamber that previously contained air is removed, preventing liquid contact with air and thus preventing oxidation and contamination while maintaining valve functionality through a springless check valve design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical spring-based valve maintenance system with an alternative mechanism that does not require elastic means. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to keep the valve in the closed position through a different mechanical approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 prevents liquid damage from oxidation and contamination while being easy to clean and cost-effective, maintaining a closed dispensing circuit until activated by the pump.

Implementation Method 1

a second valve that is opened during dispensing through the effect of a vacuum caused by the peristaltic pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS12497226B2Connector for a fluid dispenser

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 COCKTAILSMACHINE SRL

AI summary

A connector for dispensing a fluid contained in a bag-in-box container is disclosed, that is usable in an automatic dosing an apparatus of ingredients for cocktails, in which the connector includes an assembly of several portions including a first assembly portion connected to the container and a second assembly portion connectable to a dispensing tube that is in turn connected to a peristaltic pump, the assembly including a first check valve that, when the connector is assembled, is opened by a pin that belongs to the assembly, and a second check valve that is opened during dispensing through the effect of a vacuum caused by the peristaltic pump, so that owing to the second valve the dispensing circuit is kept closed even when the first valve is open.