Mechanical Venting Plug for Closed-Loop Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closed loop dispensing systems for corrosive and medical liquids face issues with venting, as liquids can calcify on Gortex membranes, leading to reduced venting efficiency and potential bottle collapse.
Innovation Solution
A throat plug assembly with a mechanical venting system, featuring a vertically movable valve and vent assembly with spring-actuated vent pins, which opens and closes vent openings to allow air entry and prevent debris accumulation, ensuring efficient air venting and pressure relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Gortex membranes are used for vent openings to allow air entry, then air venting is enabled, but liquid calcification on the membrane retards venting efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the Gortex membrane from the vent opening and replaces it with a purely mechanical venting system consisting of a plug with vent holes that can be opened or closed by moving the plug vertically. This extraction eliminates the calcification problem entirely while maintaining air venting functionality through the mechanical opening/closing action of the plug.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical plug system uses simple, easily replaceable components rather than a durable membrane that degrades over time due to calcification. The plug can be cleaned or replaced if needed, making the system more maintainable and reliable in the long term.
2Reliability
If vent openings are kept open to allow air entry during dispensing, then air can enter the bottle to prevent collapse, but debris accumulates in the vent openings
Solution Approach 1:
The vent holes are integrated into a movable plug that dynamically opens during dispensing (when the plug moves down) and closes when dispensing stops (when the plug moves up). This dynamic mechanism allows air entry when needed while automatically preventing debris accumulation by closing the vent holes when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded plug system preliminarily closes the vent holes before dispensing begins. When dispensing starts and suction is applied, the plug moves down to open the vent holes in advance, ensuring air can enter immediately. The spring then preliminarily closes them again when dispensing stops, preventing debris entry before it can occur.
3Reliability
If a mechanical venting system with movable plug is used, then debris accumulation is prevented, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable plug serves multiple functions: it controls liquid flow through the dip tube, vents air through integrated vent holes, and prevents debris accumulation by closing when not in use. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, actually simplifying the overall system despite the added mechanical complexity of the movable plug.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent holes are merged into the plug structure itself rather than being separate components. The plug combines liquid flow control, air venting, and debris prevention functions in a single integrated mechanism, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the system architecture.
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 mechanical venting system effectively prevents vent openings from plugging with debris, ensures sufficient air entry during liquid dispensing, and relieves pressure within the container, enhancing the safety and functionality of the dispensing process.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is positioned between the lower wall and the disc of the valve and vent assembly which normally urges the valve and vent assembly to its upper position.
Implementation Method 2
a dispensing tube extends from the cap from a mixing machine or to some other piece of equipment which creates suction in the dispensing tube to draw the liquid from the interior of the bottle
Implementation Method 3
air may be drawn into the interior of the bottle as liquid is being dispensed therefrom to prevent collapsing of the bottle
Data Source
AI summary
A closed loop dispensing system including a mechanical venting assembly which ensures that sufficient air may enter the interior of the container as liquid is being drawn from the container. The mechanical venting assembly of this invention ensures that the vent openings associated therewith will not become plugged with debris.