Rectilinear Keg Angulated Tap Vertical Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cylindrical kegs do not maximize storage and transport space, cannot be vertically stacked while tapped, and fail to retain carbonation, leading to beverage quality deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A rectilinear keg design with an angulated tap face and spear axis, allowing for increased volume capacity within the same footprint, enabling vertical stacking and improved transportability, and utilizing materials like stainless steel for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a cylindrical keg design is used, then the keg can be easily manufactured and maintained, but the storage and transport space is not maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the reverse of this principle by using rectilinear (non-curved) edges and corners instead of cylindrical curvature, allowing the keg to fit more efficiently into rectangular storage spaces and maximize the use of available volume within a given footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional circular footprint to a four-sided rectangular footprint, utilizing space in multiple dimensions more efficiently. The rectilinear configuration allows the keg to align with rectangular storage racks and refrigeration units, maximizing space utilization in three-dimensional storage environments.
2Ease of operation
If the valve is positioned on the top center of the keg, then the keg structure is simplified, but vertical stacking while tapped is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the valve assembly asymmetrically on one of the vertical sides of the rectilinear keg rather than at the top center. This asymmetric positioning allows kegs to be stacked vertically while the valve remains accessible on the side, enabling simultaneous stacking and dispensing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is repositioned from a vertical top-center location to a side-mounted position, utilizing the lateral dimension of the keg. This dimensional repositioning allows the valve to be accessible while the keg is stacked, as the valve protrudes from the side rather than requiring top access.
3Reliability
If glass or plastic containers are used for portable beverage storage, then transportability is improved, but carbonation retention and durability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs stainless steel construction for the keg body, combining durability, carbonation retention, and reasonable weight. The material selection balances the conflicting requirements of strength for maintaining pressure versus weight for portability, using a material that provides both properties in moderate degrees.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from lightweight but porous materials (glass/plastic) to a denser, non-porous stainless steel construction. This parameter change improves carbonation retention by eliminating material permeability while the keg's design maintains manageable weight through efficient geometry and size optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A container for storing, shipping and dispensing a beverage comprises a generally rectilinear body defining an interior volume and having, a generally planar front side, a generally planar rear side, a generally planar first lateral side, and a generally planar second lateral side, and plural curvilinear corner portions, and a top, and a bottom, and a tap coupler anchor defining a spear hole that communicates with the interior volume, and the tap coupler anchor releasably engages with a dispensing coupler which fluidically communicates with the spear hole to dispense the beverage from within the interior volume of the generally rectilinear body.