Gravity-Fed Keg Adapter for Mixed Drink Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiencies and inconsistencies in serving mixed drinks at bars and restaurants due to the prohibition on selling spirits in containers larger than 1.75 liters, combined with the need for large, expensive, and cumbersome keg filling equipment, hinder the efficient dispensing of mixed drinks on tap.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a standard beer keg system, such as a Sankey keg with a Sankey-D valve, where a keg is partially filled with a non-alcoholic cocktail mix and then filled with alcohol using a gravity-based filling apparatus, allowing the keg to be easily installed in a tap system for dispensing mixed drinks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional keg filling devices are used to fill kegs with mixed drinks, then the keg can be filled efficiently, but large, expensive, and cumbersome equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential filling function from complex industrial equipment and implements it through a simple adapter that connects to the existing keg valve. The adapter includes a funnel body and valve engagement mechanism that can be manually operated, removing the need for large pressurized filling systems while maintaining the ability to fill kegs efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter system allows the keg to fill itself through manual pouring via the funnel, eliminating the need for external pressurized equipment. The keg's existing valve system serves the dual purpose of both dispensing and filling operations, with the adapter enabling the keg to receive liquid through its own valve mechanism
2Productivity
If conventional keg filling devices are used, then kegs can be filled, but the equipment cannot be transported without large trucks and cannot be used without large tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The filling system is segmented into a compact adapter unit that attaches to the keg valve and a separate funnel component. This segmentation allows the filling apparatus to be easily transported and stored, and enables setup flexibility where the funnel can be temporarily attached to the adapter without requiring permanent installation of large tanks or equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed to work with standard keg valves already present on kegs, making the system universally applicable to existing keg infrastructure. The adapter serves multiple functions: it enables filling through the existing valve, maintains sealing, and allows for easy attachment and removal, providing versatility in different filling scenarios
3Adaptability or versatility
If bartenders manually mix mixed drinks, then customization is possible, but significant losses and inefficiencies occur due to inconsistent mixing and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows pre-mixing of cocktail components in the keg before service, so that during busy periods, ready-to-dispense mixed drinks can be served quickly without requiring bartenders to manually measure and mix each drink. This preliminary preparation maintains consistency while freeing up bartender time for customer service and customization when needed
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 approach enables efficient and consistent preparation and serving of mixed drinks on draft, reducing time and increasing sales by allowing bars to use existing beer keg systems, thereby increasing throughput and quality without the need for heavy, pressurized equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The probe preferably has a length that opens the portion of the valve by a displacement amount that is large enough to allow the gas to escape from the container through the first opening without allowing the liquid to escape from the container
Implementation Method 2
The keg-filling apparatus allows the keg to be filled with the alcohol using only gravity, rather than a large, pressurized industrial filling system
Data Source
AI summary
A filling apparatus includes an upper hollow body having a top opening and a bottom opening; a first annular cylinder coupled to the upper hollow body via the bottom opening; a locking ring having a first keg lock slot and a second keg lock slot and coupled to the first annular cylinder; a second annular cylinder coupled to the first annular cylinder; a body seal ring coupled to the second circular cylinder; a bottom hollow cylinder coupled to the second annular cylinder and including a first vent opening probe, a second vent opening probe, and a probe divide wall. The filling apparatus can be connected to a valve on a keg, such as a Sankay-D valve, and can be used to pour alcohol and other liquids into the keg.