Self-Covering Fluid Dispensing Spigot Prevents Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing devices do not effectively prevent material from settling on the spigot when not in use, leading to contamination and waste.
Innovation Solution
A self-covering fluid dispensing device with a housing, inlet conduit, lumen, outlet aperture, and a covering assembly that automatically closes when the valve is in a closed position, using a valve assembly with a covering actuator to position the covering assembly between open and closed states, preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the outlet aperture is left exposed for fluid dispensing, then fluid can be dispensed easily, but insects, dust, and bacteria can enter and settle on the spigot causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The covering assembly is positioned to cover the outlet aperture before fluid dispensing begins, preventing contamination in advance. The cover is automatically retracted only when the valve assembly opens, ensuring the aperture is protected during the entire closed period.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering assembly acts as an intermediary element between the outlet aperture and the external environment. It physically blocks contaminants from reaching the spigot while allowing fluid to pass through when the valve is open.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a covering assembly is added to protect the outlet aperture, then contamination is prevented, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The covering assembly is integrated with the valve assembly through the covering actuator, combining two functions (valve control and aperture covering) into a single coordinated system. This reduces the need for separate independent mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly serves dual purposes: controlling fluid flow through the lumen and actuating the covering assembly to protect the aperture. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.
3Ease of operation
If the covering assembly is made to automatically open with the valve, then operation is simplified, but the valve assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The covering assembly is designed to automatically open and close in response to valve assembly operation without requiring separate user action. The valve assembly's movement directly actuates the covering actuator, which in turn moves the covering assembly, creating a self-service mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A self covering fluid dispensing apparatus includes a housing that has a first end, a second end and a peripheral wall. A lumen is defined within the housing and is fluidly coupled to an outlet aperture extending through the first end. An inlet conduit is mounted to the housing and is fluidly coupled to the lumen. A covering assembly is attached to the housing and is positioned in a closed position covering the outlet aperture or in an open position exposing the outlet aperture. A valve assembly is mounted to the housing and selectively opens or closes the lumen. The valve assembly includes a covering actuator that actuates the covering assembly to the open position when the valve assembly is placed in an opened condition and disengages from the covering assembly and allows the covering assembly to return to the closed position when the valve assembly is a closed condition.