Gravity-Fed Viscous Liquid Dispenser with Sloped Bottle Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid and food product dispensing systems, particularly those using bag-in-box designs, face inefficiencies due to the need for active mechanical systems to extract viscous products, leading to significant waste and cumbersome installation processes.
Innovation Solution
A gravity-fed dispensing system featuring an inclined shelf and positioning shelf to support product bottles, allowing products to flow through a push valve using gravity, eliminating the need for active pumping systems and simplifying installation by using rigid bottles with guided positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If active pumping systems or mechanical pressing mechanisms are used to extract viscous products from bags, then product dispensing is enabled, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex active pumping systems and mechanical pressing mechanisms with a simple gravity-based dispensing system. The product flows from the container through gravity alone, eliminating the need for motors, pumps, or complex mechanical pressers while maintaining effective product extraction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing system allows the product to dispense itself through gravity without requiring external active mechanisms. The product's own weight and gravitational force are sufficient to move the product through the dispensing pathway, making the system self-servicing and eliminating complex control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If bag-in-box systems are used for product storage and dispensing, then product protection and immobilization during transport are improved, but product extraction efficiency decreases due to viscous product remaining in the bag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the product container from a flexible bag to a rigid container with specific geometric features. The rigid container maintains its shape and allows gravity to effectively move viscous product toward the dispensing opening, enabling near-complete extraction (95-98%) compared to bag systems where 15-25% product remains trapped.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the container and dispensing pathway to create a gravity-driven flow path where the product continuously moves toward the dispensing opening. The container geometry and dispensing pathway are configured to maintain equipotential flow conditions, ensuring viscous product is efficiently moved without requiring additional mechanical forcing.
3Reliability
If flexible bags are used in bag-in-box systems, then product can be packed and stored with minimal exposure to bacteria, but ease of handling and installation deteriorates due to tear-prone, liquid-filled bags requiring careful arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable rigid container that combines the sealing benefits of bag systems with the handling ease of rigid containers. The container is designed for single-use, maintaining product protection during use while eliminating the installation difficulties of flexible bags. The rigid structure prevents tearing and simplifies positioning during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is pre-configured with the dispensing opening and product flow pathway designed into the rigid structure before use. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex installation procedures required by bag systems, where the bag must be carefully positioned and secured within the dispenser housing.
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 system achieves high product extraction rates of up to 98% without active systems, reduces waste, and simplifies the installation process by relying on gravity and stable bottle positioning, improving efficiency and ease of use compared to traditional bag-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
A gravity-fed dispensing system featuring an inclined shelf and positioning shelf to support product bottles, allowing products to flow through a push valve using gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid and semi-liquid product dispenser that allows for gravity dispensing of product by using a product bottle that slopes downwards towards the feed valve when the bottle is placed for dispensing. This includes a long-sloped portion that extends downwards from the rear of the bottle to the front of the bottle, and a curved and sloped portion proximate to the valve. These slopes feed product to the valve under the force of gravity when the valve is opened. Installation of product bottles is aided by an interior design of the dispenser case that mirrors the bottles contours and ensures that the bottle is positioned for use when placed.