Self-Sealing Bag Valve Poppet With Integrated Petaloid Spring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing self-sealing valve assembly for bag-in-a-box syrup dispensers, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,477,883, has a two-piece spring mechanism that can be improved for enhanced operation and performance, particularly in providing a more effective sealing mechanism and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece combination poppet and biasing spring design is introduced, featuring a plurality of petaloid segments and a u-shaped channel for improved sealing, with gussets for added strength and a circumferential retaining ring for secure attachment, replacing the prior two-piece embodiment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a two-piece spring mechanism is used, then the valve assembly can be manufactured with separate components, but the structural integrity and sealing effectiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring mechanism and valve poppet into a single integrated one-piece component. This merging eliminates the interface between separate parts, thereby improving structural integrity and sealing effectiveness while reducing the total number of components in the assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece design is implemented, then manufacturing costs are reduced by eliminating one part, but the sealing mechanism must be redesigned to maintain effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The one-piece valve assembly incorporates a segmented petaloid structure with multiple lobes that can independently deform. This segmentation within the unified component allows the sealing surfaces to conform and seal effectively against the seat, maintaining reliability while benefiting from the cost advantages of a single-part manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The design implements different structural characteristics at different locations of the one-piece component. The petaloid segments have flexible sealing surfaces optimized for contact with the valve seat, while other portions maintain structural rigidity. This local differentiation ensures effective sealing throughout the closure process.
3Reliability
If spring pressure is increased for better closure, then sealing effectiveness improves, but the force required to open the valve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The petaloid spring structure is designed to provide dynamically adjustable pressure. As the petals compress during closure, they naturally distribute and modulate the spring force, maintaining high sealing pressure when closed while allowing easier opening through the mechanical advantage of the petal geometry and the u-shaped channel leverage.
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
This design enhances sealing capabilities with a triple seal mechanism, increases spring pressure for better closure, and reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating one part, resulting in improved structural superiority and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of petaloid segments (106) formed from a first plurality of petaloid segments (108) and a second plurality of petaloid segments (110)
Data Source
AI summary
An improved biasing spring mechanism for the valve poppet of the self-sealing valve disposed in the bag fitment of a beverage dispensing collapsible bag. A singular integrally formed spring mechanism and valve poppet replaces the two-piece embodiment previously employed for the self-sealing valve. A u-shaped channel on the poppet receives the valve seat in the coupling to seal off the flow of liquid when the poppet is pushed into the closed position. A plurality of petaloid segments connect the poppet to a circumferential ring surrounding the petaloid segments and provide a spring force to the poppet to move the poppet between the open and closed positions.