Safety Can Valve Offset Fill Pour Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety containers for flammable fluids, particularly Type II cans, are inconvenient to use due to complex mechanisms and are more expensive to produce, with dual spouts that can be cumbersome and difficult to operate.
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 integral automatic venting system, where the fill and pour ports are offset to facilitate easy operation and prevent pressure buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a Type II can with dual spouts is used, then convenience of pouring is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into distinct fill and pour functions with separate openings and control mechanisms. The fill spout and pour spout are separated both functionally and spatially, with the fill spout positioned away from the pour valve mechanism. This segmentation allows independent operation of filling and pouring functions, simplifying the overall control logic while maintaining Type II convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the fill spout in a different spatial dimension or location relative to the pour valve, specifically away from the pour opening area. This dimensional separation eliminates the need for complex moving parts to switch between functions, as the user can access the fill spout independently without interfering with the pour mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a Type II can with dual spouts is used, then convenience of pouring is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fill spout and pour spout are merged into a single integrated valve assembly housing rather than being separate components. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts, simplifies assembly procedures, and lowers manufacturing costs while still providing the dual-function convenience of Type II cans.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly serves multiple functions through a unified structure: it provides both filling and pouring capabilities, includes integrated venting functionality, and offers operational control through a single mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Ease of operation
If fill and pour ports are offset, then ease of operation is improved, but pressure management becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary venting mechanism is introduced to manage pressure differences created by the offset fill and pour ports. The vent valve acts as a mediator that equalizes pressure between the interior chamber and exterior environment, allowing the offset port configuration to function reliably without compromising pressure management.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting system is designed to automatically respond to pressure conditions within the can. When pressure differential exceeds a certain threshold, the vent valve automatically opens to equalize pressure, and closes when pressure is balanced. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for complex external pressure control systems while maintaining reliability with offset ports.
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, with an offset valve design that simplifies operation and includes automatic venting to prevent pressure-related hazards, enhancing usability and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a vent valve positioned away from the pour opening to allow air to escape during filling
Implementation Method 2
The pour valve is movably disposed within the pouring valve passage over a range of travel between a closed position and an open position. The pour valve is adapted to fluidly block the pour opening when the pour valve is in the closed position.
Implementation Method 3
The main passage centerline is substantially perpendicular to the pouring valve passage centerline. The main passage centerline is disposed at an offset distance, D, from the pouring valve passage centerline
Data Source
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AI summary
A safety can (100) for storing and dispensing liquids includes a receptacle (102, 104, 106) and a valve mechanism (200). The valve mechanism (200) can include a body (202), a fill cover (204) assembly, a pour valve assembly (206), and a trigger assembly (208). The body (202) can be mounted to the receptacle and include a fill port (220) and a separate pour port (224). The fill cover (204) assembly can be pivotally mounted to the body (202) and adapted to selectively cover the fill port (220). An operating lever (219) can be provided to move the fill cover (204) assembly to an open position to allow the safety can (100) to be filled. The pour valve assembly (206) can be movably mounted to the body (202) and be disposed therein. The pour valve assembly (206) selectively covers the pour port (224). The trigger assembly (208) can be operated to pour fluid from the can (100). The pour valve (206) and the pour port (224) can be disposed along a longitudinal pour axis (260) of the valve body (202). The fill port (220) can be disposed in offset relationship (D) to the longitudinal pour axis (260).