Multi-Channel Spike for Bag Dispensing Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional domestic liquid dispensers using rigid water bottles are cumbersome, expensive, and difficult to sterilize, and can lead to uncontrollable water overflow due to their rigid structure, while collapsible bag systems face challenges in maintaining pressure equalization for efficient dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispensing system utilizing a single spike with multiple noncontiguous internal channels for puncturing and fluid flow, allowing for controlled dispensing from a collapsible bag, which includes a puncturing tip and apertures for fluid and air flow, and a dispensing valve for managing liquid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid water bottles are used in conventional dispensers, then water can be dispensed using air pressure differential, but the bottles are heavy, expensive, and difficult to sterilize
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single spike into multiple functional channels: a first channel for liquid flow and a second channel for air flow. This segmentation allows independent control of liquid and air pathways, enabling effective sterilization while maintaining dispensing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a collapsible bag as an intermediary between the rigid dispenser structure and the liquid source. The bag can be easily sterilized and replaced, while the rigid dispenser housing and spike provide structural support and controlled dispensing.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid water bottles are used, then vacuum can be held to prevent collapsing, but the bottles cannot be collapsible or stackable, requiring great storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the structural function (rigid dispenser housing and spike) from the storage function (collapsible bag). The rigid components provide stability and vacuum holding capability, while the collapsible bag provides compact storage and transport ability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a collapsible bag with flexible walls that can be compressed and folded. The bag maintains its structural integrity through the vacuum pressure differential while allowing compact storage when empty, eliminating the need for large storage space.
3Device complexity
If a single channel spike is used for fluid flow, then the structure is simple, but air flow control for pressure equalization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spike is divided into multiple non-contiguous channels within a single structure: a first channel for liquid flow and a second channel for air flow. This segmentation provides independent control of fluid and gas pathways while maintaining a relatively simple overall spike structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single multi-channel spike performs multiple functions: it punctures the bag, controls liquid flow through the first channel, manages air flow for pressure equalization through the second channel, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate components.
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 provides a lightweight, cost-effective, and sanitary method for dispensing liquids by preventing overflow and ensuring efficient fluid flow while maintaining sterility, as the spike's design allows for controlled air and fluid flow, reducing waste and the risk of water damage.
Implementation Method 1
air flow through a second channel of the spike from the chamber into the collapsible bag
Implementation Method 2
fluid flow through a first channel of the spike from the collapsible bag into the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A spike for dispensing fluids from a flexible bag, wherein the spike includes multiple fluid channels which transfer liquids from the bag to an enclosed dispensing chamber and air from the enclosed chamber to the bag to permit and control fluid flow within the system.