Rigid Intermediate Piece for Recyclable Beverage Container Valves
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing systems face challenges in manufacturing complexity and recycling inefficiencies due to valves with multiple materials, leading to costly and legally non-compliant waste disposal.
Innovation Solution
A three-part assembly comprising a liquid container, an intermediate piece, and a valve piece, where the intermediate piece is a rigid component without moving parts, allowing for efficient manufacturing and simplified recycling by eliminating the need for material separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve with multiple materials (metal spring, different plastics) is used for connecting liquid container to beverage dispensing system, then the valve function is achieved, but the recycling cost increases and legal compliance deteriorates due to material separation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is divided into two separate components: an intermediate piece made of a single material (polyethylene) that connects to the liquid container, and a valve piece that contains the valve mechanism. This segmentation allows the intermediate piece to be easily recyclable while the valve piece can be reused multiple times, resolving the contradiction between achieving reliable valve function and simplifying recycling processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate piece acts as a mediator between the liquid container and the valve piece. It provides a simple, single-material connection component that interfaces with both the container's connecting piece and the valve piece, enabling the complex valve function to be achieved while maintaining recycling simplicity for the container-closure assembly.
2Reliability
If a valve with multiple components (base body, plunger, spring) made from different materials is used, then the valve functionality is achieved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is segmented into a reusable valve piece containing the complex multi-component valve mechanism, and a simple intermediate piece made of single material. This segmentation isolates the complexity to the valve piece that can be reused, while the intermediate piece remains simple for easy manufacturing and recycling.
3Ease of operation
If a traditional valve is directly connected to the liquid container, then the connection is achieved, but the disposal cost increases due to mixed materials requiring separation
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented so that the intermediate piece (single material, easily recyclable) connects to the liquid container, while the valve piece (containing mixed materials) is designed to be reusable. This segmentation enables simple disposal of the container-closure assembly while preserving valuable materials in the reusable valve piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate piece and liquid container form a disposable assembly that can be easily discarded after use, while the valve piece is recovered and reused multiple times. This approach minimizes waste of valuable materials while maintaining ease of operation for the connection function.
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
Reduces manufacturing complexity, lowers costs, and enhances recyclability, ensuring compliance with legal regulations by providing a homogeneous waste stream and reducing the quantity of mixed materials.
Implementation Method 1
a valve arrangement for preventing liquid from escaping the liquid container in a closed state of the valve arrangement, wherein the valve arrangement preferably comprises a mounted plunger and a spring, in particular a metal spring, for exerting a force on the plunger
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to an intermediate piece (24) for connecting a liquid container (18) to a beverage dispensing system (10), comprising: a lower section (36) for coupling to a connecting piece (28) of the liquid container; and an upper section (34) for coupling to a valve piece (26), wherein the intermediate piece (24) is designed as a rigid component without moving parts. The invention further relates to a valve piece (26) for connecting a liquid container (18) to a beverage dispensing system (10), a closure system (22), and a liquid container (18).