Gas Cylinder Stopper Assembly for Sparkling Bottle Re-Pressurization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively re-pressurize sparkling beverages after pouring, leading to loss of carbonation and potential contamination from air or other gases entering the bottle.
Innovation Solution
A pressurized gas source system with a housing, gas cylinder, regulator, and stopper that introduces and maintains pressure within the bottle, minimizing air exposure and preserving carbonation, using a piercing lance and cylinder holder to accommodate various cylinder sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a stopper is engaged with the bottle after each beverage dispensing to seal closed the interior of the bottle, then the beverage can be dispensed multiple times and stored for extended periods, but air or other reactive gases may enter into the bottle and contaminate the beverage
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an inert gas (nitrogen or carbon dioxide) into the bottle through the stopper after dispensing. This inert atmosphere displaces reactive air and prevents oxidation and contamination of the beverage during storage, directly addressing the harmful factor while maintaining extended storage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper acts as an intermediary device that provides a controlled interface between the external environment and the sealed bottle. It includes gas inlet ports and pressure regulation mechanisms that mediate the introduction of inert gas while preventing unwanted contamination, enabling multiple dispensings without compromising beverage quality
2Stability of the object's composition
If pressurized gas is introduced into the bottle to maintain carbonation, then the carbonation level is maintained, but the complexity of the gas supply system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is designed as a multi-functional component that serves multiple purposes: sealing the bottle, providing gas inlet ports for inert gas introduction, and incorporating pressure regulation mechanisms. This consolidation of functions into a single device maintains carbonation stability while minimizing the overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a regulator to control and maintain the pressure of inert gas introduced into the bottle. By regulating the pressure parameter to match or exceed the beverage's internal pressure, the system maintains carbonation levels without requiring complex gas supply infrastructure, achieving stability through controlled parameter adjustment
3Productivity
If a piercing lance and cylinder holder are used to pierce the gas cylinder, then the gas can be delivered to the beverage container, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cylinder holder is designed with an integrated piercing mechanism that automatically pierces the gas cylinder when the cylinder is inserted. The piercing lance is positioned to make contact with the cylinder's gas outlet, and the holder's structure itself facilitates the piercing action, eliminating the need for separate complex piercing devices while ensuring efficient gas delivery
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 system allows multiple dispenses of beverages while maintaining carbonation and preventing gas contamination, ensuring effective sealing and pressure regulation for extended storage.
Implementation Method 1
A regulator may be supported by the housing and arranged to receive gas at a first pressure from the gas cylinder and to provide gas at a second pressure lower than the first pressure to the gas outlet
Implementation Method 2
A piercing lance may be arranged to pierce an outlet of the gas cylinder to release the pressurized gas for delivery to the regulator
Implementation Method 3
The lower surface of the flange and the lower portion of the sidewall can form a catch for an engagement pawl, e.g., that is used to engage with the gas cylinder and force the gas cylinder into engagement with a gas receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A gas source for pressuring sparkling and other beverage containers, e.g., to re-pressurize the container to keep a carbonation level of beverage during storage. A gas cylinder can include a cap with a flange and catch below the flange. The catch can be engaged by a cylinder support to move the cylinder into contact with a piercing element to pierce the gas outlet of the cylinder and form a seal between the cylinder and gas receiver. A pressure indicator can have a single pressure sensor to indicate a capacity of a gas cylinder to deliver pressurized gas and a pressure in a beverage container.