Modular Fluid Dispensing Device with Pressure Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing devices for carbonated beverages fail to maintain the beverage under a regulated pressure effectively, leading to loss of carbonation and adverse effects on taste and appearance, and there is a need for a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective solution that can attach directly to standard containers with simple yet robust construction.
Innovation Solution
A regulated fluid dispensing device with a main housing containing a regulator, pressure relief mechanism, and tap handle group, using a gas cartridge for pressurization, allowing for adjustable pressure and preventing over-pressurization, and featuring modular construction for reduced manufacturing costs and simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluid dispensing device is used to maintain beverage under gas pressure, then carbonation is preserved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing device is divided into separate modular components: a dispensing valve assembly, a pressure regulation mechanism, and a gas cartridge holder. Each module can be manufactured independently and assembled to form the complete device, reducing overall complexity while maintaining carbonation preservation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure regulation valve acts as an intermediary between the gas cartridge and the beverage container, controlling gas flow to maintain optimal pressure without requiring complex control systems. This mediator component simplifies the overall device architecture while ensuring reliable carbonation maintenance.
2Stress or pressure
If a regulator mechanism is added to control gas pressure, then pressure regulation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator is designed with a self-adjusting mechanism that automatically maintains optimal gas pressure without requiring external control systems or complex electronics. The regulator uses the existing gas pressure differential to self-regulate flow, simplifying the overall device while achieving effective pressure control.
3Ease of manufacture
If modular construction is used for the dispensing device, then manufacturing cost and assembly simplicity are improved, but device reliability may worsen due to more connection points
Solution Approach 1:
While maintaining modular construction for cost-effectiveness, critical sealing interfaces are merged into integrated components. The valve assembly incorporates built-in sealing mechanisms that eliminate separate connection points, reducing potential failure points while preserving the manufacturing advantages of modular design.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a pressure relief mechanism is added to prevent over-pressurization, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief mechanism uses a simple, inexpensive burst disc or relief valve that activates at a predetermined pressure threshold. This disposable or resettable component provides safety without requiring complex monitoring or control systems, minimizing the increase in device complexity while ensuring over-pressurization prevention.
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 device maintains beverages in an optimally carbonated state, allowing for controlled dispensing over time while preventing container damage from excessive pressure, and its modular design simplifies assembly and reduces costs.
Implementation Method 1
A pressurized gas source is provided to maintain the contents of the container under gas pressure
Implementation Method 2
the valve is opened and gas flows into the container until the gas pressure overcomes the spring force of the valve, thereby causing the valve to then close
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method are provided for dispensing a beverage from a pressurized container. The dispensing device includes an integral source of compressed gas for maintaining the beverage within the container at a desired pressurized state. The dispensing device also includes a regulator for controlling the flow of gas from the compressed gas source to the interior of the container, as well as a pressure relief mechanism that accounts for potential over pressurization of the container. The beverage is selectively dispensed by actuation of a tap handle. Delivery is achieved through the device by a resilient delivery tube, and the delivery tube is either pinched closed or allowed to decompress by the actuation of the tap handle. In another embodiment, a check valve is used to control flow of the beverage in which the tap handle activates a transfer rod to seat and unseat a check element. The device can be manufactured in either a unitary construction or a modular construction. Modular construction provides greater flexibility in testing and replacement of defective components.