Nested Pouch Two-Way Valve for Fluid Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve designs for distributing two fluids from a rigid receptacle mix the second component with propellant gas and require multiple valves or inefficient space occupation, making it difficult to manufacture and fill the pouches before use.
Innovation Solution
A valve design where the first pouch is placed inside the second pouch, allowing for separate fluid and gas separation with a single valve, facilitating coiling and varying volume ratios, and enabling filling from the valve without a common passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two pouches are placed side by side in parallel, then both components can be isolated from the gas and emerge through a valve, but the occupation of the internal space of the flask is not optimum and two valves are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested pouch configuration where the first pouch is placed inside the second pouch, both concentrically arranged within the rigid receptacle. This nesting arrangement allows both pouches to be contained within a single valve system, eliminating the need for multiple valves while maintaining component isolation from the propellant gas.
2Reliability
If two pouches are placed side by side in parallel, then both components can be isolated from the gas, but the occupation of the internal space of the flask is not optimum
Solution Approach 1:
The nested pouch arrangement where the first pouch is positioned inside the second pouch maximizes the use of the available internal space within the rigid receptacle. This concentric configuration allows for more efficient space utilization compared to parallel placement, enabling better volume optimization while maintaining component separation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the two pouches are concentric with the internal pouch fixed to the valve and external pouch fixed to the flask, then the structure is stable, but it is not possible to manufacture the valve with both pouches in a first step
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the assembly into separable components: the valve with the first pouch attached can be manufactured independently in a first step, then the second pouch is separately introduced into the receptacle and positioned around the first pouch. This segmentation of the manufacturing process allows for easier production while maintaining the stable concentric structure during use.
4Device complexity
If parallel inlets end in a common channel, then the valve structure is simplified, but it is not possible to fill the pouches from the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements separate inlet channels for each pouch that do not converge into a common channel. The first inlet channel connects to the first pouch and the second inlet channel connects to the second pouch, allowing independent filling of each pouch through the valve system while maintaining a relatively simple overall valve structure.
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
This design reduces dead space, allows for efficient filling, and enables the addition of a third component, improving the separation and distribution of fluids while allowing the propellant gas to escape, enhancing the manufacturing and operational efficiency of the valve.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (8) tending to return the stem (4) to the closed position
Implementation Method 2
The fluid in the pouch is not in contact with the fluid contained in the flask with the gas. When the valve is actuated, the propellant gas propels the second fluid through the second passage. In addition, because of the pressure prevailing in the flask, the gas bears on the walls of the pouch, thus forcing its content to emerge through the first passage.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve for distributing two fluids contained in a rigid flask by propulsion, the first fluid contained in a first flexible pouch, and the second fluid in the flask so as to be isolated from the first fluid before the fluid leaves through the valve. When the valve is placed on the flask, an internal part of the valve is inside the flask, an external part of the valve is outside the flask. A first passage which can be closed connects the inside of the first pouch and the space surrounding the external part of the valve, and a second passage which can also be closed connects the space intended to receive the second fluid and the space surrounding the external part of the valve. The valve has a second flexible pouch for receiving the second fluid, which is fixed to the valve and placed around the first pouch.