Elastomeric Flow Control Device for Bar Gun Manifolds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control and shut-off devices in beverage dispensing manifolds, such as those used in bar guns, face issues with leakage due to deformation and the need for separate o-rings, which can weaken the parts and lead to unreliable seals under standard operating pressures.
Innovation Solution
A flow control device featuring a rigid actuating member coupled with an elastomeric sleeve having raised portions for sealing, eliminating the need for a separate o-ring and providing a more reliable seal between the sleeve and the manifold body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hard plastic shut-off screw or flow control valve with a necked-down portion is used to accommodate an o-ring, then the device can be assembled with the manifold, but the part becomes weakened and more prone to twisting apart, and may not provide a reliable leak-proof seal under operating pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hard plastic shut-off screw with an elastomeric flow control device that uses a flexible elastomeric material to form the sealing surface. The elastomeric material deforms elastically under compression to create a positive seal against the manifold body, eliminating the need for a separate o-ring and the weakening necked-down portion. This flexible sealing approach maintains structural integrity while providing reliable sealing under operating pressures.
2Reliability
If a separate o-ring is used in combination with the valve and screw to prevent leakage, then sealing is achieved, but the part structure is weakened and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function into the main body of the flow control device by forming an integral elastomeric sealing portion. This eliminates the need for a separate o-ring component and simplifies the overall device structure. The elastomeric material is molded as part of the flow control device, creating a unified component that performs both flow control and sealing functions without requiring additional parts or assembly steps.
3Ease of manufacture
If the shut-off screw is made oversized to ensure proper fit during assembly, then assembly is facilitated, but the part deforms or shrinks during use and does not provide a reliable leak-proof seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from hard plastic to elastomeric material, which fundamentally alters the sealing mechanism. Instead of relying on oversized dimensions and compression deformation of rigid material, the elastomeric material provides sealing through elastic deformation and recovery. This parameter change allows the device to be assembled at proper dimensions without oversizing, while the elastomeric material's inherent elasticity ensures continuous sealing pressure and reliable leak-proof performance under operating conditions.
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 enhances sealing reliability and durability by using an elastomeric sleeve with raised portions, ensuring a positive seal and reducing the risk of leakage, even under high interference fits and standard operating pressures.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric (e.g., Santoprene) sleeve having one or more raised portions that encircle the sleeve and are shaped to provide a seal between the sleeve and the bar gun manifold body
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control device for a bar gun manifold. The flow control device includes a sleeve and an actuating member. The sleeve is monolithically formed of an elastomeric material. The sleeve includes a cylindrical outer surface, a through hole oriented transverse to the sleeve axis of rotation, a first raised portion that encircles the sleeve and is shaped to provide a seal between the sleeve and the manifold body, and a first interface shaped to connect the sleeve to the actuating member. The actuating member includes a second interface shaped to interface with the first interface. The first and second interfaces are shaped to transfer rotation of the actuating member about the sleeve axis of rotation to the sleeve to reorient the through hole relative to a fluid passage of the manifold body.