Reusable Bung Assembly for Beverage Alcohol Barrels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bung assemblies for beverage alcohol barrels are not reusable and require frequent replacement, leading to material waste and inefficiency, especially during transportation and access for dumping, filling, or sampling.
Innovation Solution
A reusable bung assembly designed for easy installation and removal using a battery-powered drill or impact driver, featuring a combination of materials and structural elements such as varying diameters, a threaded portion, and a spring-like quality to ensure a secure and leak-proof seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wood bung plug is hammered into the bung hole for a hard bung seal, then leakage prevention during transport and maturation is improved, but the bung must be discarded after each use and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the disposable wood bung into a reusable plastic bung assembly that can be removed, cleaned, and reinstalled multiple times. The bung assembly includes a removable bung plug with a retention mechanism that allows it to be securely attached and detached from the barrel, enabling recovery and repeated use instead of discarding after single use.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from wood to plastic, which fundamentally alters the reusability characteristic. Plastic material allows the bung to withstand repeated installation and removal cycles without degradation, unlike wood which is discarded after one use. The plastic material also enables the integrated retention mechanism functionality.
2Ease of operation
If a food grade silicone bung plug is used for barrels that need to be closed but not transported, then ease of operation is improved, but the seal is not maintained during transportation and leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the bung system into two functional parts: a bung plug for sealing and a retention mechanism for secure attachment. This segmentation allows the bung plug to be easily inserted and removed for operation while the retention mechanism ensures it remains securely attached during transport, preventing leakage. The separate retention ears and slot engagement create a mechanical lock that maintains the seal under transport conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction within the bung assembly, combining plastic material with an integrated retention mechanism. The plastic bung plug provides the sealing surface while the integrated retention ears and slot engagement system provide mechanical attachment. This composite functionality resolves the contradiction between ease of removal and secure retention during transport.
3Reliability
If a wood bung is hammered into the barrel, then a secure seal is achieved, but removal requires a slide hammer and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical system of hammering wood bungs with a simpler insertion and retention mechanism. The bung assembly is designed to be inserted into the bung hole and secured through the retention ears engaging with the slot in the bung cover, eliminating the need for slide hammers and repetitive hammering actions. This substitution dramatically reduces both installation and removal time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic functionality to the previously static wood bung system. The retention mechanism allows the bung to be easily inserted and removed multiple times without degradation, transforming the static, single-use wood bung into a dynamic, reusable component. The movable retention ears and slot engagement enable quick attachment and detachment operations.
4Ease of operation
If a reusable bung assembly with threaded portion and varying diameters is used, then the bung can be easily inserted and removed with a drill, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention integrates multiple functions into a single bung assembly component. The varying diameters serve both as structural features for fitment and as guides for installation. The threaded portion provides both structural integrity and serves as the engagement point for removal tools. The retention ears and slot engagement system provide both sealing and mechanical retention functions. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural complexity by eliminating the need for separate components and tools.
Data Source
AI summary
A bung assembly for closure of a hole in a beverage alcohol barrel comprises an upper flange having a top surface. A straight shaft extends downwardly from the upper flange, and includes a base cap adjacent to the upper flange and a bottom portion opposite the upper flange. A threaded portion extends along the shaft between the base cap and the bottom portion. Barrel assemblies are further provided and include a barrel having a bung hole, and the bung assembly. Methods of sealing a barrel includes steps of providing a barrel including a bung hole, and inserting the bung assembly into the bung hole.