Fluid transfer assembly and methods of fluid transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for filling beverage containers often result in excessive foam formation with carbonated beverages, leading to waste and increased serving time, as they typically fill from the top, requiring multiple actions and space-consuming devices.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing system that fills containers through their bottom, utilizing a container connection device with a valve for fluid flow, a flushing system to prevent stale liquid accumulation, and a removal system for rapid drainage, incorporating magnetic components for secure sealing and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If top filling method is used, then the serving container can be filled, but excessive foam formation occurs leading to waste and increased serving time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional top-filling approach by implementing bottom-up filling. The serving container is filled from the bottom through a valve assembly, causing liquid to rise upward and displace foam to the top where it can be easily removed. This inversion of the filling direction fundamentally resolves the foam generation problem inherent in top-filling methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the filling process by controlling pressure and flow rate through a valve mechanism. By regulating these parameters during bottom-up filling, the system achieves controlled liquid flow that minimizes turbulence and foam generation while maintaining efficient filling speed.
2Ease of operation
If top filling method is used, then the container can be filled, but multiple manual actions are required including positioning, starting flow, stopping flow, and removing container
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed to automatically open when the serving container is placed on the dispensing surface and automatically close when removed. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual operation of multiple controls, reducing operational complexity while maintaining a compact device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual control mechanisms with a simple magnetic coupling system. The magnetic valve opens and closes in response to the presence or absence of the serving container, substituting mechanical control with magnetic field interaction and simplifying both operation and device structure.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional filling device is used, then filling can be performed, but large amount of space is required on counter or serving area
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is integrated within the dispensing surface in a nested configuration. The valve body, seal, and magnetic components are compactly arranged within the existing dispensing structure, minimizing the external footprint while maintaining effective sealing through concentric arrangement of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible sealing elements including O-rings and gaskets that conform to the valve and container interfaces. These thin film seals provide reliable fluid containment within the compact valve assembly, ensuring sealing effectiveness without requiring additional space.
4Reliability
If magnetic components are used for sealing, then secure sealing is achieved, but potential for stale liquid accumulation in dispenser connection device exists
Solution Approach 1:
The valve maintains a continuous fluid pathway that allows liquid to flow through the dispensing system during each serving operation. This continuous flow prevents stagnant liquid from accumulating in the connection device, eliminating the harmful effect of stale liquid while maintaining magnetic sealing security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically discards liquid from the dispensing connection device after each use through the same valve mechanism used for filling. This self-cleaning function prevents stale liquid accumulation by flushing the connection device with fresh liquid or allowing complete drainage, while the magnetic seal ensures no leakage during the process.
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
Reduces foam formation and waste by filling from the bottom, streamlining the serving process, and minimizing device size and operational complexity, while maintaining a secure and efficient fluid transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a valve biasing the coupling device in a closed fluid-tight position via magnetic attraction of opposing first and second components, each of the opposing first and second components including a magnetic material
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid container designed for filling through an opening in a bottom surface. The fluid container includes a connection device, including a ring crimped around the opening and a cap. The ring may include a ferrous metal. The cap may include a magnetic material. The cap may be removable from the fluid container. The cap is coupled to the ring via magnetic attraction to seal the opening in the bottom surface in a fluid container closed position. The connection device is designed to transition from the fluid container closed position to a fluid container open position when the connection device is coupled to a filling device for filling of the fluid container.