Fluid Transfer Apparatus Cam Locking Seal Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid transfer methods, particularly in the wine industry, face challenges such as oxidation of wine due to exposure to air, manual labor requirements, and inefficiencies in creating airtight seals, leading to contamination and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A fluid transfer apparatus with a cam locking assembly and cooperating seal member that creates a bulkhead seal, minimizing exposure to air and reducing the need for manual labor, using a cam locking mechanism to secure the seal and control gas release, thereby preventing oxidation and improving fluid recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple racking wand with rubber hose is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of preventing wine oxidation is poor because the wine is exposed to the atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inert gas (nitrogen or carbon dioxide) into the container to displace oxygen and create an inert atmosphere above the wine. This prevents oxidation of the wine during the racking process while maintaining a relatively simple device structure. The inert gas is delivered through a tube that extends into the container headspace.
2Reliability
If a bung is hammered into the bung hole to seal the container, then the airtight seal is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the bung must be pounded in with a hammer and is difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic expansion mechanism where the bung is inserted in a compressed state and then expanded within the bung hole to create a seal. The bung can be expanded by inflating an internal balloon or by mechanical expansion, allowing it to adapt to the bung hole dimensions and create an airtight seal without requiring hammering. The bung can also be deflated or contracted for easy removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the bung by inflating or expanding it after insertion. The bung transitions from a compact insertable state to an expanded sealed state, creating an airtight seal without mechanical force. This allows easy insertion and removal while maintaining seal integrity.
3Productivity
If gas pressure is increased to push wine out of the barrel, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the bung can be pushed out of the barrel with high gas pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sealing function from the gas delivery function. The bung provides the seal while a separate tube delivers the inert gas. The gas is delivered through the tube rather than through the bung, allowing high gas pressure to be applied without compromising the seal integrity or pushing the bung out.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary tube to deliver the inert gas into the container. This tube acts as a mediator between the gas source and the wine, allowing gas pressure to be applied to push the wine out without directly acting on the bung seal. The tube can be positioned to deliver gas above the wine level, providing controlled displacement.
4Ease of operation
If a lever lock mechanism is used to expand the bung, then the ease of operation is improved compared to hammering, but the reliability deteriorates because the seal is not airtight and much inert gas escapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a balloon or flexible membrane that can be inflated to expand the bung uniformly and create an airtight seal. The expansion is controlled by adding gas or liquid to the balloon, providing reliable sealing without the complexity of mechanical lever mechanisms. The flexible expansion adapts to the bung hole geometry for reliable sealing.
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 apparatus ensures a safe, efficient, and hygienic fluid transfer by minimizing oxidation and manual labor, reducing gas usage, and enhancing clear fluid recovery while maintaining a secure seal, thus addressing the inefficiencies of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
a cam locking assembly (201) and a cooperating seal member apparatus (202)... using a cam locking mechanism to secure the seal
Implementation Method 2
Other nonpatented racking assemblies use gas to displace wine from the barrels. Inert gas, such as nitrogen, prevents wine oxidation.
Implementation Method 3
provide an apparatus for the purpose of providing a safe, efficient, air-tight bulkhead seal... minimizing exposure to air and reducing the need for manual labor
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid transfer apparatus includes a cam locking assembly and a cooperating seal member apparatus. The cam locking assembly is in communication with the cooperating seal member apparatus. The cam lock assembly is affixed or connected with the cooperating seal member apparatus through complementary threading in some preferred embodiments.