Keg Distributor Locking Structure for Automatic State Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional beer keg distributors require complex and inconvenient operations to switch between open and closed states due to the need to overcome the acting force of a spring to unlock and lock the locking mechanism.

Innovation Solution

An efficient distributor design featuring a locking boss and locking block with guide surfaces and a reset member that automatically unlocks and locks when the operating member is switched, allowing for seamless state changes without additional user intervention, utilizing a spring as the reset member for elastic action.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional locking mechanism with spring and movable handle is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the operation process becomes complicated and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionVSAvoidoperation process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to automatically lock and unlock without requiring manual intervention. The guide surfaces on the locking boss automatically guide the locking block during the moving process, and the reset member automatically returns the locking block to its initial position, enabling the system to perform locking functions autonomously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The guide surfaces are pre-configured on the locking boss to automatically guide the locking block during the moving process. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that the locking block follows the correct path and engages with the locking surfaces at the appropriate moments, eliminating the need for complex control operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a movable handle and spring mechanism are used for locking, then the locking state can be maintained, but the switching operation becomes complex requiring multiple steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking state maintenanceVSAvoidswitching operation steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable handle and complex spring mechanism are removed from the system. Instead, a simplified locking boss with guide surfaces directly interacts with the locking block, extracting the unnecessary components while maintaining the core locking function through the guide surfaces and reset member

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a movable handle to actively push the locking block away, the design inverts the approach by using guide surfaces that passively guide the locking block during the boss's movement, and relying on the reset member to automatically return the locking block to its initial position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If the ejector rod must overcome spring force to unlock, then the locking is secure, but the operation becomes inconvenient requiring precise user action

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking securityVSAvoiduser action precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The reset member automatically returns the locking block to its initial position after unlocking, eliminating the need for the user to manually overcome spring force. The system self-services by using the boss's movement to trigger the unlocking and then automatically resetting the locking block

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The guide surfaces are pre-configured to automatically guide the locking block during the boss's movement, ensuring that the unlocking action occurs naturally as the boss moves along the guide surfaces, without requiring the user to apply precise force to overcome the spring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 ensures convenience and efficiency in opening and closing the keg spear by automating the locking and unlocking process, reducing the operational complexity and making the distributor easier to use.

Implementation Method 1

a first reset member acting on a locking block capable of moving to or away from the locking matching member, such that the locking block tends to move to a side close to the locking matching member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11718517B2Efficient distributor

Publication Date: 2023.08.08 NINGBO MASTER DRAFT BEER KEG EQUIP CO

AI summary

The disclosure herein discloses an efficient distributor, which includes a distributor shell, an operating member, a locking member, and a control member connected to the operating member. The operating member includes a locking matching member with a locking boss protruding therefrom. The locking boss includes a first locking matching surface and a second locking matching surface. The locking member includes a locking block capable of moving to or away from the locking matching member, and a first reset member. According to the disclosure herein, the locking boss and the locking block are automatically unlocked when a state of the operating member is switched and automatically locked after the state is switched, so the efficient distributor is convenient.