Self-Venting Dispensing Tap for High-Flow Leak-Free Pouring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing taps for flowable products, such as liquid laundry detergent, face ergonomic and functional issues like difficult actuator manipulation and low flow rates, leading to consumer dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
An ergonomic, high flow rate, self-venting dispensing tap design featuring a body with a peripheral skirt, a dispensing head, and a piston with a peripheral seal and spring mechanism that allows for easy actuation and simultaneous venting, ensuring a higher flow rate through a larger outlet area compared to the throat, and includes external finger holds for improved usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional dispensing tap is used, then the structure is simple, but the flow rate is too slow for consumer satisfaction
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing tap is divided into separate functional components: a body portion, a dispensing head with a separate outlet, and a piston mechanism. This segmentation allows optimization of each component for its specific function, particularly enabling a larger outlet area in the dispensing head while maintaining a manageable overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the flow path by extending the outlet downward from the dispensing head, and incorporates a self-venting mechanism that operates in the vertical direction. This dimensional approach allows simultaneous achievement of high flow rate and proper pressure regulation.
2Productivity
If the outlet area is increased to improve flow rate, then the dispensing speed increases, but the valve may not seal properly preventing leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The piston mechanism performs preliminary action by creating a pressure differential and venting air before the valve closes. This preliminary venting action ensures that when the valve seals against the larger outlet, there is no trapped air pressure preventing proper sealing, thus maintaining both high flow rate and reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston acts as an intermediary element between the user actuation and the valve closure. It mediates the closing action by controlling the sequence of events: first venting the outlet, then closing the valve. This intermediary mechanism ensures proper sealing even with a large outlet area.
3Reliability
If a self-venting mechanism is added to prevent pressure buildup, then the dispensing reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The venting mechanism and valve closure function are merged into a single piston operation. As the piston moves during the closing stroke, it simultaneously vents the outlet and then closes the valve in sequence. This merging of functions into one component avoids adding separate complex venting mechanisms while achieving reliable pressure regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-venting through the piston's own movement during normal operation. The piston's closing stroke automatically vents trapped air through the outlet before sealing, without requiring a separate automated venting system. This self-service approach improves reliability while minimizing added complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the actuator is made more ergonomic for easier manipulation, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The piston serves multiple functions: it acts as the actuator transmission element, the valve closure element, and the venting mechanism. This multi-functionality allows for an ergonomic push-button actuator design without adding separate complex mechanisms, as the single piston handles all operational requirements.
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 user-friendly, high flow rate dispensing experience by ensuring the shut-off valve is effectively closed under pressure, preventing leaks and allowing for efficient dispensing of high-viscosity fluids, thus enhancing consumer satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
A spring may be captured between the piston and the dispensing head normally biasing the piston and shut off valve to the closed position
Implementation Method 2
the diameter of the peripheral seal on the piston is larger than the diameter of the shut off valve. In this manner, when pressure is exerted on the container, the pressure is greater on the piston seal than the shut off valve, and naturally exerts a higher force in the closed direction to keep the shut off valve closed
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing tap (700) for liquids includes a body (702) connected to the neck of a container (900), a dispensing head (708) with an outlet or mouth (714), and a throat (710) connecting the body to the dispensing head. A shut off valve (716) is configured for sealing engagement with the mouth of the dispensing head, and a piston (718) is axially guided within the dispensing head. The piston includes a peripheral seal (720) slidably engaged with an interior surface of the dispensing head, and a valve stem (722) coupled to the shut off valve. The piston is selectively actuable between a normally closed position an open position. A vent (740) is in communication with an interior of the body and the vent is opened and closed with movement of the piston and shut off valve.