Liquid Dispensing System with Lifter Assembly and Spigot Recess
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bag-in-box dispensing systems face issues such as spigots being located at the bottom, requiring users to lift or tilt the system, incomplete emptying due to gravity, and an unattractive aesthetic, which hinder user convenience and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispensing system with a cavity, spigot-recess, top plate assembly, lifting plate, and lifter assembly that applies downward and upward forces to the bag, allowing for efficient liquid extraction and positioning of a drinking glass under the spigot, along with a heating/cooling system and internal battery for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the spigot is located at the bottom of the dispensing system, then the structure is simple and manufacturing cost is reduced, but the user must lift or move the system to fill a glass, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The spigot is repositioned from the bottom to the front wall of the cavity, changing its spatial location from a lower position to a more accessible position at the front. This dimensional change allows the spigot to be easily accessible without requiring the user to lift or move the entire dispensing system, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining the simple bottom-spigot structure's manufacturing advantages
2Device complexity
If gravity is used to dispense liquid from the bag, then the system is simple and requires no additional mechanisms, but gravity is insufficient to completely empty the contents of the bag, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
A pump is introduced to actively draw liquid from the bag, replacing reliance on gravity alone. The pump creates sufficient suction force to extract liquid completely from the bag, including residues that gravity cannot remove, thereby improving productivity and liquid extraction completeness while adding a mechanical component to the system
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing mechanism changes from passive gravitational flow to active pumped flow, altering the physical parameter of liquid movement from gravity-driven to pressure-driven. This parameter change enables complete emptying of the bag by providing sufficient force to overcome surface tension and extract remaining liquid
3Ease of operation
If the spigot is accessible from the front, then ease of operation is improved, but the spigot cannot be positioned within a door structure, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The front wall of the cavity serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the cavity, contains the spigot-recess for spigot mounting and accessibility, and eliminates the need for a separate door structure. This multi-functional design achieves front accessibility while avoiding the complexity of hinged doors or removable panels
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
Enables complete emptying of the liquid bag without manual manipulation, improves user convenience by allowing glass placement under the spigot and provides temperature control and battery-powered operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one biasing device arranged to apply a biasing force to one end to the lifting plate
Implementation Method 2
the pressure plate arranged to apply a downward force on the bag of liquid
Implementation Method 3
the lifting plate arranged to lift the bag of liquid and to apply an upward force on the bag of liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid dispensing system for use with a bag having a pre-attached spigot includes a cavity arranged to receive the bag of liquid. A spigot-recess is configured to engage the spigot of the bag of liquid. A top plate assembly is locatable at or near the top of the system, the top plate assembly including a pressure plate arranged to apply a downward force on the bag of liquid. The system also includes a lifting plate arranged to apply an upward pressure on the bag of liquid.