Dual-Mode Liquid Flow Device With Rotary Control Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid flow devices lack the ability to selectively and efficiently dispense or evacuate liquids due to limitations in controlling gas pressure and flow, leading to potential accidental mode switches and inefficient liquid management.
Innovation Solution
A dual-purpose liquid flow device with a container, lid, and passaging system that includes a gas supply passage, pressurization passage, evacuation passage, and a control valve, allowing for adjustable configurations to manage gas flow and pressure for both dispensing and evacuating liquids, with a mode selector valve to prevent accidental mode changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single liquid flow device is used for both dispensing and evacuating, then device versatility is improved, but mode switching reliability deteriorates due to potential accidental mode changes
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve is designed with a rotary actuator that dynamically reconfigures internal flow passages between dispensing and evacuating modes. The rotary mechanism allows smooth transition between modes while maintaining sealed connections, preventing accidental mode changes through controlled rotational movement rather than simple on/off switching.
Solution Approach 2:
A mode selector valve serves as an intermediary component between the gas supply and the main control valve. This intermediate valve provides an additional layer of mode selection and confirmation, ensuring that mode changes are intentional and controlled, thereby improving reliability while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of operation
If manual control valve adjustment is used, then operational flexibility is improved, but operational safety deteriorates due to potential accidental mode switches
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary actuator requires deliberate rotational movement to change modes, making accidental switching unlikely. The dynamic reconfiguration of flow passages through rotation provides clear tactile feedback and visual indication of the current mode, enhancing safety while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control valve incorporates visual indicators that provide feedback on the current operating mode. This feedback mechanism allows operators to confirm the valve position and mode before operation, preventing accidental mode switches while maintaining ease of operation through clear status indication.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If separate devices are used for dispensing and evacuating, then operational safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges dispensing and evacuating functions into a single integrated device with a unified control system. The control valve internally separates and directs gas flow to different passages based on the selected mode, providing safety through controlled separation of functions while maintaining device simplicity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control valve is segmented into distinct flow passages for dispensing and evacuating modes, with internal channels that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows safe separation of functions within a single device, avoiding the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining operational safety through controlled flow separation.
4Productivity
If gas pressure is continuously applied, then liquid flow efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases and accidental mode switches occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve dynamically regulates gas pressure delivery based on the selected mode and operational requirements. By controlling when and how pressurized gas is delivered to the liquid passage, the system maintains efficient liquid flow while reducing unnecessary energy consumption from continuous gas pressure application.
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
Enables precise control over liquid flow, preventing accidental mode switches and ensuring efficient dispensing or evacuation by managing gas pressure and flow effectively, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An evacuation passage includes a venturi and is configured to be fluidly connected to the interior of the container when the lid is mounted on the container. The evacuation passage is configured to be fluidly connected to the gas supply passage to convey pressurized gas from the source of pressurized gas through the venturi to create a vacuum pressure in the interior of the container.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid flow device includes a container and a lid. When the lid is mounted on the container, the container supports a gas supply passage, a pressurization passage, an evacuation passage, and a liquid passage. A control valve is located between the gas supply passage and both the pressurization passage and the evacuation passage. In one configuration, the control valve provides communication between the gas supply passage and pressurization passage to pressurize the container and dispense liquid from the container through the liquid passage. In another configuration, the control valve provides communication between the gas supply passage and evacuation passage to create a vacuum pressure inside the container for evacuating liquid into the container through the liquid passage.