Pressure-Actuated Fluid Dispenser With Self-Regulating Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of dispensing liquids from a container is time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially when dealing with beverages that require storage at temperatures lower than room temperature, leading to operation inefficiencies and costly refrigeration needs.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing system featuring a sealed container with a flexible bag and a pinch valve that opens and closes based on pressure, allowing controlled dispensing of liquids through a flexible tip, with an air inlet to increase pressure and control fluid flow, and a controller to automate the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual dispensing process is used, then product integrity can be maintained, but dispensing time and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pressure differential automatically generated during dispensing to open the valve, and automatic closing when pressure equalizes, eliminating the need for manual operation. The container self-regulates the dispensing process through its pressure-sensitive valve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical pouring action is replaced by a pressure-driven fluid flow system with an automated pressure-sensitive valve that responds to pressure differential, converting manual mechanical operation into an automated pressure-based control system.
2Reliability
If refrigeration is used to maintain product integrity, then product spoilage is prevented, but operational efficiency decreases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the temperature control requirement from the dispensing system by using a temperature-stable container material and design that allows dispensing without active refrigeration, separating the product integrity function from the dispensing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter from refrigerated conditions to room temperature operation, using pressure differential instead of temperature differential to control dispensing, thereby eliminating the need for refrigeration infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If traditional dispensing equipment is used, then dispensing can be achieved, but cleaning complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed as a single-use disposable unit that is discarded after contents are depleted, eliminating the need for cleaning and sanitization infrastructure. The low cost of the disposable container makes this economically viable.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning and sanitization functions are extracted from the dispensing system by using a disposable container, separating the dispensing mechanism from the containment vessel that would require cleaning.
4Extent of automation
If pressure-sensitive valve is used, then automated dispensing control is achieved, but valve precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve automatically responds to pressure differential without external control signals, using the natural pressure changes during dispensing to trigger opening and closing actions, eliminating the need for precision electronic controls or sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure differential acts as an intermediary between the container contents and the valve mechanism, translating the presence and depletion of contents into automatic valve control actions without requiring direct sensing or control systems.
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 system reduces the effort required for dispensing liquids by automating the flow control, maintaining product integrity, and minimizing refrigeration costs by allowing for efficient dispensing at various temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
An inlet can be positioned on the container, the inlet configured to allow a gas or a second fluid into the interior of the container
Implementation Method 2
The end of the bag can define a passage in communication with an opening through which the first fluid contained in the bag can be dispensed
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing system can include a container defining an interior and including a first portion and a second portion. The system can include a bag positioned within the interior of the container. The bag can be configured to contain a fluid therein. The system can include an inlet positioned on the container. The inlet can be configured to allow gas into the interior of the container. The system can further include a valve. The valve can be configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The end of the bag can extend through the valve. The end of the bag can define a passage in communication with an opening through which the fluid contained in the bag can be dispensed. In the open position, the valve can be configured to dispense the fluid through the opening.