Elastic Membrane Mixing Valve for Hygienic Beverage Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mixing taps leave an open channel section on the outlet side after the mixing process, leading to residual base material issues that are hygienically problematic and prone to contamination, especially when mixing multiple beverages.
Innovation Solution
A mixing tap design featuring an elastic membrane body that expands to open the channel outlet, forming a flow channel for the base material to exit, which then seals upon pressure release, eliminating the open channel and ensuring a hygienic and reliable mixing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closing device is used inside the inlet channel to close the channel outlet, then the channel can be sealed, but the closing device adds structural complexity and may leave residual base material in the channel section
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastic membrane body instead of a rigid closing device. The membrane body can be elastically deformed by pressure differential to open or close the channel outlet, eliminating the need for complex mechanical closing devices while ensuring reliable sealing when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane body transitions between static (closed) and dynamic (open) states based on pressure differential. This dynamic behavior allows the channel outlet to be automatically controlled without additional actuators or complex mechanisms.
2Productivity
If the channel outlet remains open after the mixing process, then base material can be dispensed, but residual base material remains in the open channel section causing hygiene issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies back-pressure through the outlet body to close the membrane body before the dispensing process ends, preventing residual base material from remaining in the channel outlet section. This preliminary closing action eliminates the hygiene problem of residual material.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure differential between the inlet channel and outlet body provides automatic feedback control. When dispensing stops, the pressure balance automatically reverses, causing the membrane body to close and prevent residual material from remaining exposed.
3Reliability
If the membrane body is designed to tightly close the channel outlet, then sealing is improved, but the flow channel formation during mixing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane body's position and shape are dynamically changed through pressure differential. During mixing, positive pressure opens the membrane to form a flow channel; during sealing, back-pressure returns the membrane to its closed position. This parameter change approach simplifies the structure while achieving both functions.
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
This design prevents residual base material from remaining, ensuring a hygienic and reliable mixing process, preventing contamination and allowing for the mixing of multiple beverages without cross-contamination, enhancing the overall hygiene and functionality of the tap.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic membrane body (14) with at least one membrane section (15) which rests in a non-positive manner on at least part of the inlet body (4), which membrane section (15) tightly closes a channel outlet (9) of the at least one inlet channel (8)
Implementation Method 2
the membrane body (14) being designed in such a way that the at least one membrane section (15) subjects the at least one inlet channel (8) to a defined minimum pressure from its seat in such a way that the channel outlet (9) of the at least one inlet channel (8) is opened and a flow channel is formed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The valve (1) has a spout main portion (2) that is provided with an outlet opening (3) and an inlet unit. A flexible membrane unit (14) is provided with a supply unit (4) non-positively abutting a diaphragm portion (15). A channel outlet (9) and an inlet channel (8) are provided with a defined minimum pressure. A flow channel is formed between the supply unit and the membrane unit. An inlet for specific mixture component is provided, so that the specific mixture component is mixed with the preset mixture component after the preset mixture component is exited the inlet unit.