Retractable Tapping Device for Protected Party Keg Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5L party beer kegs face issues with slow dispensing when nearly empty, rapid spoilage of remaining beer, complex design with separate units, and risk of damage to the tap during transport and handling due to protruding actuating elements.
Innovation Solution
A combined rod-shaped dispensing and control device integrates a pressure unit, regulating unit, and dispensing unit within a one-part or multi-part housing, allowing insertion through a single container opening, with a protected transport position and easy conversion to a use position for pressure-assisted dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tap with actuating element protrudes outwards during transport and storage, then the dispensing unit is accessible and ready for use, but the actuating element is at risk of damage to the outer area of the tap
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing unit is designed to be movable between a retracted transport position and an extended dispensing position. During transport, the unit is retracted into the container to protect the actuating element. During dispensing, it is extended for accessibility. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing unit is nested within the container body during transport, with the actuating element housed inside the container's protective structure. This nesting arrangement protects the actuating element from external damage while maintaining the ability to extend it when needed for dispensing operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate units (pressure unit with control unit and dispensing unit) are provided, then each unit can be optimized independently, but the design and installation within the container becomes complex and handling is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure unit, control unit, and dispensing unit are merged into a single integrated dispensing assembly that is inserted as one unit into the container. This integration simplifies design and installation while maintaining the functional advantages of having distinct pressure control and dispensing components working together in a coordinated manner.
3Productivity
If the tap is located in the upper area of the container, then pressure can maintain beer flow until the very end, but the tap protrudes outwards creating risk of damage during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The upper tap location is maintained for optimal beer flow and pressure utilization, but the tap assembly is made dynamically retractable. During transport, the tap is retracted into the container to avoid damage. During dispensing, it extends to the upper position for effective pressure-assisted flow, thus resolving the contradiction between flow maintenance and damage protection.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single opening in the lid is used for inserting the entire assembly, then sealing effort is reduced, but the integrated design requires complex internal arrangement within the container
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure unit, control unit, and dispensing unit are merged into a single integrated assembly that enters through one opening, simplifying sealing requirements. The internal complexity is managed through compact modular design of the integrated unit, allowing it to fit within the container while maintaining all necessary functions.
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
Ensures easy handling, prevents damage to the tap, reduces leakage risk, and allows efficient dispensing even when nearly empty, with integrated protection against overpressure and spoilage.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure unit (7, 8, 9), in particular a pressurized carbon dioxide cartridge (7), arranged in the rod-shaped or cylindrical arrangement
Implementation Method 2
The beer kegs are usually made of tinplate and have a tap near the bottom. A vent valve is located at the top, preferably in the lid. This valve is opened when tapping, allowing the beer to flow from the tap located at the bottom due to gravity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2a
AI summary
The invention relates to a tapping and regulating device for dispensing a liquid from a container, in particular from a beverage container, preferably for dispensing a beer or a beer beverage from a keg, preferably from a 5-litre party keg, with a rod-shaped or cylinder-shaped arrangement composed of pressure unit, regulating unit and tapping unit, which arrangement can preferably be inserted almost flush into the container through an opening in the lid of the container, wherein the tapping unit can be transferred from a transport and storage position, in which it is inserted in the arrangement, to a use position, in which it is withdrawn from the arrangement and fluidically connected thereto, and wherein the withdrawn tapping unit is able to be mounted on the container, preferably at the latter's edge, fold or the like, for handling or actuating.