Pressurizable Fluid Container with Twist-Lock Valve and Curved Endcaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressurizable fluid containers, such as beer kegs, face challenges in maintaining structural integrity and preventing deformation under internal pressure while being lightweight and cost-effective, and existing valve systems do not efficiently manage pressurization and fluid dispensing without compromising the quality of the contents.
Innovation Solution
A pressurizable fluid container design featuring a top and bottom endcap with protrusions and recesses for stability, coupled with a two-stage coupling valve assembly and twist-lock casing for secure engagement, allowing controlled access and pressurization, and a tamper-evident cover for safety and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a pressurizable fluid container uses a lightweight design with curved surfaces (sphere or elongated cylinder with domed ends) to avoid corner deformation, then manufacturing cost and container weight are reduced, but structural stability under internal pressure may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by designing the container with a substantially cylindrical body and domed ends, eliminating sharp corners that would deform under pressure. The curved surfaces distribute internal pressure evenly, maintaining structural integrity while keeping the design lightweight and avoiding the need for excessive material reinforcement.
2Reliability
If a valve assembly is fixed within the keg neck to provide controlled access to fluid, then reliability of fluid containment is improved, but ease of operation for maintenance and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed as a separate, removable component that can be independently accessed and replaced without dismantling the entire container. This segmentation allows the valve to be fixed securely during operation for reliable containment, while enabling easy removal for maintenance by simply detaching it from the keg neck opening.
3Productivity
If compressed gas is introduced into the headspace to pressurize the fluid for dispensing, then productivity of fluid distribution is improved, but harmful factors such as potential over-pressurization and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pressure regulation mechanisms that monitor and control the compressed gas pressure introduced into the headspace. This feedback control ensures the pressure remains within safe limits while still providing sufficient force for efficient fluid dispensing, preventing over-pressurization hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the parameters of the compressed gas (pressure, flow rate) to optimize fluid dispensing while maintaining safety. By carefully managing the gas pressure parameters and using regulated introduction methods, the system achieves high productivity without creating dangerous over-pressurization 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 design provides a lightweight, cost-effective, and structurally stable fluid container with controlled pressurization and dispensing, ensuring the quality and flavor of the contents are maintained, and facilitates safe handling and depressurization.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible, resilient inner container or bladder in fluid communication with the second opening
Implementation Method 2
Containers for receiving, storing, transporting and dispensing certain fluids such as beverages are designed to safely contain fluids at internal pressures greatly exceeding external atmospheric pressures
Data Source
AI summary
A container has a top and a bottom endcap, a bottle sandwiched therebetween, and one or more bands coupling the top and bottom endcaps and the bottle. The bottle receives therein a flexible bladder. At least one of the top and bottom endcaps has a pair of opposing parallel surfaces, one of which has a protrusion extending therefrom and the other one of which has a recess therein at a location corresponding to that of the protrusion. A valving structure demountably engages with a neck portion of the bottle and has (i) a coupling valve assembly having two channels in fluid communication with the bottle and the bladder for injecting gas thereinto and dispensing liquid therefrom, respectively, and (ii) a twist-lock casing receiving therein the coupling valve assembly and removably coupled to the bottle's neck portion. The twist-lock casing has a structure for safely depressurizing the bottle.