Slit Dispensing Closure Valve for One-Hand Additive Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing closure systems for beverage additives are cumbersome, often requiring two-hand operation, result in dripping due to compression of residual liquid, and do not facilitate high flow rates, leading to undesirable leakage when inverted.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing closure valve with a slit valve configuration, tethering strap for one-hand operation, and interaction with a one-way base liquid flow valve to control residual liquid and improve flow characteristics, featuring a button-shaped projection and radial flow passages for consistent dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a push-pull cap closure is used to seal the dispenser, then the closure can be opened and closed selectively, but the opening operation requires two-hand operation and does not facilitate quick termination of flow
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented into a closure member with integrated valve mechanism, separating the sealing function from the flow control function. This allows the closure to be opened easily while the valve independently controls flow termination, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and flow control effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
A valve mechanism acts as an intermediary between the closure member and the mixing zone. When the closure is opened, the valve can independently and quickly terminate flow without requiring complex two-hand operation, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining effective flow control.
2Reliability
If the cap is pushed closed to seal the dispenser, then the closure is secured, but the mixed liquid in the mixing zone is compressed and may drip or be forced out of the cap
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism extracts the flow control function from the closure sealing action. When the closure is pushed closed, the valve independently manages the mixed liquid in the mixing zone, preventing compression-related dripping while maintaining reliable sealing through the closure member.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve serves as an intermediary that protects the mixed liquid in the mixing zone from compression forces generated during closure. It maintains proper pressure management, preventing liquid from being forced out of the cap while the closure provides reliable sealing.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a one-way valve is used to prevent backflow of base liquid, then base liquid supply is maintained in an unmixed state, but residual mixed liquid in the mixing zone may drip when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism acts as an intermediary between the mixing zone and the dispensing outlet. It works in conjunction with the one-way valve to control residual mixed liquid, preventing dripping when the system is not in use while maintaining the stability of the base liquid supply in an unmixed state.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve provides dynamic flow control that adapts to different operational states. It remains closed to prevent dripping during idle periods, yet allows proper flow during active dispensing, thus preventing residual liquid dripping while maintaining base liquid stability.
4Reliability
If the existing closure system is used, then basic sealing is provided, but flow rates are restricted and dripping occurs when inverted
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a closure member for sealing and a valve mechanism for flow control. This separation allows the valve to be optimized for high flow rates and proper orientation-dependent control, preventing dripping when inverted while maintaining reliable dispensing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve provides dynamic flow control that responds to orientation changes. It allows high flow rates during proper dispensing orientation while automatically restricting flow when inverted, thus improving productivity without sacrificing dispensing control reliability.
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
Enables improved control of residual liquid, facilitates one-hand operation, and provides consistent and predictable flow rates, preventing dripping and ensuring efficient dispensing even when inverted.
Implementation Method 1
a one-way base liquid flow valve to provide for flow of base liquid through the cartridge
Implementation Method 2
The valve includes a slit valve configuration and is held in place on the closure base with the valve retainer
Implementation Method 3
A lid may be tethered to the closure base
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A mixing cartridge delivery system, which mixes additive with base liquid flowing through it, utilizes a dispensing closure valve to achieve improved flow of mixed liquid from the cartridge. A closure base may include a tethered lid. A flexible valve, such as a slit valve, is supported on a valve supporting end of the closure base and retained thereon with a valve retainer that interlocks with the closure base. The system may include a one-way valve for base liquid and a mixing section defined in the cartridge. The dispensing closure valve achieves improved flow characteristics in combination with the base liquid valve. The dispensing closure valve also prevents leakage and inadvertent discharge from the cartridge system.