Magnetic Toggle Valve for Precise Multi-Port Fluid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid and gas delivery systems face challenges in achieving precise and customizable dispensing of ingredients with high efficacy, while minimizing material and labor costs and ensuring labor safety, particularly in the context of complex customer demands for customized drinks.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispensing system utilizing CF Valves and control devices such as solenoids and toggles, which allow for precise control of fluid flow through on-demand mixing and actuation, eliminating the need for wetted solenoids and reducing reliance on electrical components, thereby enhancing safety and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple valves and electronic actuation devices are used to control fluid flow rates for customized drinks, then precision and control capability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single valve body is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling flow to multiple dispensing points through different ports. The valve can route fluid to different destinations based on toggle position, eliminating the need for multiple separate valves while maintaining precise control capability for customized drink preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple valve functions are merged into a single integrated valve assembly. The valve body incorporates multiple ports and internal passages that allow one valve to control flow distribution to multiple dispensing points, reducing the total number of components while preserving control precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple valves are used to control multiple dispensing points, then fluid flow control precision is improved, but material cost and labor cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single multi-functional valve body serves multiple dispensing points simultaneously, reducing the quantity of valves and associated components needed. This consolidation directly lowers material costs while maintaining the precision required for customized drink formulations.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple valve functions into one integrated assembly, the patent reduces both material costs (fewer valves, actuators, and connections) and labor costs (simplified installation, maintenance, and operation). The unified design eliminates redundant components while preserving flow control precision.
3Extent of automation
If electronic actuation devices are placed within the wetted path for precise control, then automation and precision are improved, but labor safety and reliability deteriorate due to potential failures
Solution Approach 1:
Electronic actuation devices are extracted from the wetted path and positioned in dry locations. The valve body is designed so that toggles can be actuated from outside the fluid pathway, eliminating the risk of electronic component failure due to exposure to moisture, chemicals, and cleaning processes while maintaining automated control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the external toggle actuator and the internal valve components. The magnetic field transmits actuation force through the valve body wall without requiring electronic components to be in direct contact with the wetted environment, thus maintaining automation while improving reliability.
4Device complexity
If a single valve controls multiple dispensing points, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision for each individual point may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into multiple independent flow paths with separate ports and internal passages leading to different dispensing points. Each port can be independently controlled by toggle position, allowing precise control of flow distribution to each destination while using a single integrated valve assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the valve body are designed with specific local characteristics optimized for their respective dispensing points. Each port and internal passage is configured to provide appropriate flow control precision for its specific function, allowing the single valve to deliver precise control to multiple locations with different requirements.
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 system achieves precise and customizable dispensing of liquids and gases, reduces material and labor costs, and ensures labor safety by enabling efficient operation during power outages and minimizing equipment maintenance, while maintaining flavor integrity and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic toggle that moves the blocking device to open or close the passage way
Implementation Method 2
Control devices such as solenoids and magnetic toggles
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing device including: a valve with an inlet area, a throttle pin coupled to the inlet area, a diaphragm, a support structure, a spring, and an outlet area; a toggle which opens and seals the outlet area based on a position of the toggle; and where the diaphragm and the support structure are generate an open state and a closed state based on a threshold pressure in the inlet area.