Dual-Liquid Tap With Auto-Closing Pressure-Compensated Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing taps for dispensing multiple liquids, such as those for water and beer, often require complex mechanisms or are limited to specific applications and do not maintain a normally closed state without external force, leading to potential mixing of liquids with different properties.
Innovation Solution
A 2-way tap design with a single handle that rotates to open and close separate outlets for two liquids, featuring a distribution unit with pistons and toggle mechanisms that ensure a normally closed state when not in use, using pressure compensation and springs to return to the closed position automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single handle is used to control multiple liquid outlets, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the distribution unit with pistons and toggle mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines control of multiple liquid outlets into a single handle mechanism. The handle is mechanically linked to multiple outlets through a distribution unit, allowing one operator to control all outlets simultaneously. This merging of control functions simplifies operation while the internal distribution unit manages the complexity of coordinating multiple outlets.
2Reliability
If the tap is designed to be normally closed without external force, then reliability is improved by preventing liquid mixing, but device complexity increases due to springs and pressure compensation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs springs and pressure compensation mechanisms that actively work to maintain the closed state of outlets, counteracting any forces that might cause them to open. These mechanisms are pre-configured to exert closing forces, and they automatically activate to prevent liquid mixing when pressure differentials or other forces attempt to open the outlets unintentionally.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure compensation system automatically adjusts to maintain the normally closed state without requiring external intervention. The springs and pressure mechanisms self-regulate based on the liquid pressure conditions, automatically closing outlets when needed and requiring no external force or control input to maintain the safe closed state.
3Reliability
If separate nozzles are used for liquids with different properties, then liquid separation is improved, but device complexity increases compared to a single outlet design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the liquid distribution system into separate outlets, each capable of dispensing specific liquids with different properties. The distribution unit segments the liquid flows physically, ensuring that liquids with different characteristics (such as carbonated vs. still water) remain separated throughout the system and are dispensed through dedicated outlets, preventing mixing while maintaining a unified handle control.
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
Ensures separation of liquids with different properties and maintains a closed state without external force, simplifying operation and preventing mixing, while being adaptable to various liquid distribution networks.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (16a, 16b) disposed so as to compensate for a pressure difference appearing between the first and second chambers (13a, 13b)
Data Source
AI summary
Tap (1) for dispensing a first liquid and/or a second liquid, the tap comprising: —a first inlet (11a) and a second inlet (11): —a first outlet (12a) and a second outlet (12b): —a handle (10) adapted to rotate around a centre point (100) so as to be placed alternatively in: —a first open position corresponding to a rotation of the handle (10) of a first angle (a1) with respect to a vertical reference axis (101) passing through said centre point, or in: —a closed position corresponding to a rotation of the handle (10) of a second angle (a2) with respect to said reference axis (101), or in: —a second open position corresponding to a rotation of the handle (10) of a third angle (a3) with respect to said reference axis (101), wherein said first liquid flows through the first inlet (11a) and the first outlet (12a) when the handle is at its first open position, through the second inlet (lib) and second outlet (12b) when the handle is at is second open position and wherein both first and second liquids are prevented from flowing when the handle is at its closed position, and wherein the tap comprises a distribution unit, said distribution unit being arranged so as to allow said handle to spontaneously reach said closed position in absence of external action.