Slidable Valve Seal for Liquid Dispenser Oxygen Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensers suffer from oxygen transmission into containers, leading to reduced freshness and taste due to oxidation, and often drip after closure, particularly problematic in the wine industry.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser design featuring a slidable valve member with a channel and seal that contacts 360-degree sidewalls, creating a sealed flow passage when closed, and a slanted passage that minimizes oxygen transmission and prevents dripping by ensuring fluid flows only through a controlled dispensing port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fluid dispenser design is used, then fluid can be dispensed, but oxygen transmission into the container occurs leading to oxidation and reduced freshness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible seal member that forms a tight barrier between the valve member and the container opening. This flexible sealing mechanism prevents oxygen transmission while allowing the valve to move between open and closed positions, thereby maintaining fluid freshness without compromising dispensing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an oxygen-excluded environment by forming a precise seal around the container opening where the valve member interfaces with the container. This sealed configuration effectively creates an inert atmosphere that prevents oxidation, allowing the fluid to maintain its freshness and quality characteristics.
2Reliability
If a conventional fluid dispenser design is used, then fluid can be dispensed, but dripping occurs after closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a preliminary sealing action where the seal member engages with the container opening before the valve member fully closes. This preliminary anti-action prevents fluid from continuing to flow or drip after the dispensing operation is completed, ensuring clean closure without dripping.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible seal member conformally contacts the container opening surface, creating a reliable barrier that prevents fluid leakage after closure. This flexible sealing approach adapts to the container geometry to ensure complete sealing and eliminate dripping issues.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a valve member with seal is used to prevent oxygen transmission, then oxygen transmission is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it controls fluid dispensing, prevents oxygen transmission, and maintains sealing during both open and closed positions. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving effective oxygen barrier performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sealing function and the valve function into a single integrated valve member assembly. The seal member is positioned to work in conjunction with the valve member, merging multiple protective functions into one compact structure that prevents oxygen transmission without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid dispenser 10 has a main body 12, a valve member 18, and a dome member 16. The dome member is attached to the valve member such that the valve member is slidable within the main body. Pressing on the dome member opens the valve so that fluid can flow out of a dispensing port 20 in the main body. The main body has an outer flow surface 106 and an inner flow surface 108. The valve has a face 80. In conjunction, the outer flow surface, inner flow surface, and face define a fluid passageway for fluid to flow exteriorly to the inner flow surface, interiorly to the outer flow surface, and exit the fluid dispenser via the dispensing port.