Stand-Alone Carbonating Device With Mechanical Valve Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing domestic carbonating devices require electrical power and complex control systems, making them unsuitable for easy placement in domestic environments and affecting their aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically operated carbonating device with a knob-controlled distribution valve and actuator system, allowing manual adjustment of carbonation without electricity, featuring a non-return valve, discharge nozzle, and a drive device to transform rotary motion into translatory motion for intuitive one-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical power supply and control systems are used in carbonating devices, then functional capability and adjustment precision are improved, but device complexity and aesthetic impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical control systems with a purely mechanical operation system. A manual drive device with a crank mechanism converts rotary motion into reciprocating motion of the piston, eliminating all electrical components while maintaining functional capability through mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses manually operated components where the user directly controls the carbonation process through a crank handle. The mechanical system self-regulates the gas flow and pressure without requiring external power sources or complex control electronics, achieving simplicity through direct user interaction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical power supply and control systems are used in carbonating devices, then functional capability is improved, but overall dimensions and placement flexibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By eliminating electrical power supplies, control boards, and associated wiring, the device reduces its volumetric footprint. The mechanical drive system requires minimal space compared to electrical systems, enabling more flexible placement in various domestic environments.
3Ease of operation
If manual mechanical operation is used, then device simplicity and aesthetic appeal are improved, but ease of operation may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The drive device incorporates a crank mechanism that transforms rotary motion into linear reciprocating motion of the piston. This curved mechanical path provides intuitive manual operation, allowing users to easily control the carbonation process through simple rotational movements of the crank handle.
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 efficient space utilization, simplified user interaction, and reduced device dimensions, while eliminating the need for electrical power and complex controls.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission device connected to the knob and the actuator and configured to transform the rotary motion of the knob into a translatory motion of the actuator in the seat
Implementation Method 2
a non-return valve arranged at the opening of the chamber and provided with a plug
Implementation Method 3
a cylinder comprising: a chamber provided with an opening and configured to contain carbon dioxide in gaseous form
Data Source
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AI summary
A carbonating device comprises: - a discharge nozzle (7); - one cylinder (6) comprising: o a chamber (12) provided with an opening (13) and configured to contain carbon dioxide in gaseous form; o a non-return valve (14) arranged at the opening (13) of the chamber (12) and provided with a plug (15) ; - a distribution valve (8) configured to selectively feed the gas of the cylinder (6) to the discharge nozzle (7); the distribution valve (8) comprising: o a valve body (16) selectively coupled to the opening (13) of the chamber (12) of the cylinder (6); the valve body (16) being provided with a seat (20) fluidically connected to the discharge nozzle (7) and the opening (13) of the chamber (12) of the cylinder (6); o an actuator (18) movable in the seat (20) of the valve body (16) along a valve axis (A) ; the actuator (18) being configured to selectively move the plug (15) of the non-return valve (14) of the cylinder (6) between a closed position, in which the plug (15) prevents gas from flowing through the opening (13), and an open position, in which the plug (15) allows gas to flow through the opening (13) to feed the discharge nozzle (7); - a drive device (10) configured to control the distribution valve (8) and comprising: o a knob (28) rotating about a rotation axis (B) arranged transverse to the valve axis (A); and ∘ a transmission device (29) connected to the knob (28) and the actuator (18) and configured to transform the rotary motion of the knob (28) into a translatory motion of the actuator (18) in the seat (20).