Locking Access Plug for Beverage Dispensing Gun
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beverage dispensing apparatuses with valve return springs face issues of unintended ejection and loss during servicing due to the high compressive force of the springs, as they rely solely on a sealing o-ring for retention, leading to uncontrolled scattering of components.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of locking access plugs with a valve spring retainer that includes a first portion for receiving and supporting the valve spring and a second portion for engaging complementary-shaped structures on the handle, allowing for controlled retention and selective access and removal of the valve return springs, preventing inadvertent scattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a sealing o-ring is used to retain the valve return spring, then the spring can be held in compression, but the spring hat can become dislodged and ejected when the covering plate is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The valve spring retainer is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion that receives and supports the valve spring, and a second portion that engages with the handle body to secure the retainer in place. This segmentation allows the spring retention function and the retainer security function to be separated, solving the problem of spring hat ejection while maintaining compressive force.
2Ease of repair
If the covering plate is removed for servicing, then access to valve return springs is enabled, but components scatter and are lost due to uncontrolled ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The valve spring retainer is designed to remain engaged with the handle body through a locking mechanism (second portion) that prevents accidental disengagement. This preliminary securing action ensures that even when the covering plate is removed for servicing, the retainer and valve spring remain in place unless intentionally removed, preventing component scattering and loss.
3Ease of operation
If a locking access plug is implemented, then selective access and removal is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve spring retainer combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it holds the valve spring in compression, secures itself to the handle body through the second portion engagement, and provides controlled access during servicing. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate components like the traditional spring hat and covering plate assembly, thereby managing complexity while improving operation.
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 locking access plugs effectively retain the valve return springs in compression, minimizing the risk of scattering and loss during servicing by providing a secure mechanism for their retention within the handle, ensuring the components remain in place until intentionally removed.
Implementation Method 1
The valve spring is disposed within a receptacle of the housing member and biases the valve assembly closed
Implementation Method 2
The second portion is shaped to engage a complementary-shaped portion of the housing member to retain the first portion within the receptacle of the housing member
Data Source
AI summary
A locking access plug for a valve return spring for a beverage dispensing gun handle is disclosed. The locking access plug enables the compression and retention of the valve return spring and enables the retention of the locking access plug in the body of the handle until it is acted upon for the purpose of its removal; for example, for the servicing of the handle. A beverage dispensing gun having such a locking access plug can both keep a valve return spring in compression as well as interface with a sealing o-ring that seals between the locking access plug and the beverage dispensing gun handle.