Safety Can Valve Assembly With Offset Fill and Pour Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety cans for flammable fluids, particularly Type II cans, are inconvenient to use due to complex mechanisms and are more expensive to produce, often requiring two spouts that can be difficult to operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A safety can with a Type II configuration featuring a valve assembly that includes a fill port and a separate pour port, equipped with an ergonomic trigger mechanism and an automatic venting system, allowing for efficient and safe dispensing of flammable liquids with offset spouts to prevent complications and reduce production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a Type II can configuration with two separate spouts is used, then pouring convenience is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into distinct fill and pour functions with separate openings and control mechanisms. The fill opening has its own cap while the pour opening has a separate pour valve with trigger mechanism, allowing independent operation of each function without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The pour valve incorporates a movable trigger mechanism that dynamically controls the opening and closing of the pour passage. The trigger can be actuated to open the pour valve for dispensing and automatically closes when released, providing dynamic control rather than a static open/closed state.
2Ease of operation
If a Type II can configuration with two separate spouts is used, then pouring convenience is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines both fill and pour passages, incorporates sealing surfaces for both openings, and integrates the trigger mechanism housing. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of separate components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The fill cap and pour valve are integrated into a single valve assembly unit that attaches to the receptacle as one component. The trigger mechanism is combined with the pour valve in a unified structure, reducing assembly steps and production complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If offset spout configuration is used, then production cost is reduced, but venting efficiency may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body acts as an intermediary structure that manages fluid flow between the receptacle interior and exterior. It incorporates internal passages that route liquid from the fill opening through the pour valve, and provides dedicated vent passages that independently manage atmospheric pressure balance regardless of the offset spout configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting function is segmented from the liquid flow path, with separate vent passages provided in the valve body. These vent passages are positioned to maintain effectiveness despite the offset configuration of the fill and pour openings, ensuring reliable pressure equalization during filling and pouring operations.
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
The solution provides a convenient and safe method for storing and dispensing flammable liquids by simplifying the operation of the valve assembly and reducing production costs through the use of an ergonomic trigger and automatic venting system, enhancing usability and safety while maintaining the offset spout configuration.
Implementation Method 1
The pour valve is adapted to fluidly block the pour opening when the pour valve is in the closed position
Implementation Method 2
The main passage extends along a main passage centerline between the fill opening and a main passage opening
Data Source
AI summary
A safety can includes a receptacle and a valve mechanism connected thereto. The valve mechanism can include a body, a fill cover assembly, a pour valve assembly, and a trigger assembly. The body can include a fill port and a separate pour port. The fill cover assembly can be adapted to selectively move between a closed position to cover the fill port and an open position to allow the receptacle to be filled. The pour valve assembly can be adapted to selectively move between a closed position to cover the pour port and an open position to allow fluid to be poured from the receptacle through the pour port. The trigger assembly can be operated to move the pour valve assembly. The pour valve and the pour port can be disposed along a longitudinal pour axis. The fill port can be disposed in offset relationship to the longitudinal pour axis.