Tap Dispenser Lock Prevents Leakage Under Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tap dispenser closures on large volume containers often fail to adequately seal liquids under pressure, leading to leakage issues during shipping and handling.
Innovation Solution
A tap dispenser lock device featuring a tap lock with an engagement member, barrier member, and retainer member that secures the valve in a closed position, preventing leakage by limiting movement of the valve member along an axis, and can be easily attached and removed for dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tap dispenser closure is used on a large volume container, then the container can be filled with product, but the tap may not adequately seal the product under high fluid pressure, leading to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the sealing function into two separate components: the tap dispenser closure and the tap lock device. The tap closure provides the dispensing mechanism, while the tap lock provides the sealing function by limiting valve member movement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between maintaining seal integrity under high pressure and allowing convenient dispensing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tap lock device is attached to the tap dispenser closure before the container is filled and pressurized during shipping. This preliminary action secures the valve member in the closed position in advance, preventing leakage under the high fluid pressure that will occur during shipping and handling. The barrier member is positioned beforehand to limit any potential valve movement when pressure is applied.
2Reliability
If the valve member is secured in the closed position to prevent leakage, then seal integrity is improved, but the dispensing operation becomes less convenient
Solution Approach 1:
The tap lock device incorporates a removable barrier member that can be in different positions: attached to limit valve movement for sealing, or removed to allow dispensing. This dynamic design allows the system to switch between two states - a sealed state during shipping and a dispensing state during use - resolving the contradiction between maintaining seal integrity and enabling convenient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier member is designed as a separate, removable component that can be extracted from the tap lock device. By taking out the barrier member, the user enables the dispensing function. This extraction principle allows the sealing function to be independently activated or deactivated, resolving the contradiction between having the valve secured for sealing and needing it free for dispensing operation.
3Reliability
If a complex lock device is added to improve sealing, then leak prevention is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a separate, simple tap lock device rather than complicating the existing tap closure mechanism. This segmentation keeps the original dispensing mechanism simple while adding a dedicated sealing component. The tap lock device consists of basic elements (barrier member, retainer member, engagement member) that work together simply to limit valve movement, avoiding the need for complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier member acts as an intermediary element between the tap lock device and the valve member. It provides the sealing function by physically limiting valve movement without requiring complex interaction mechanisms. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system by using a straightforward mechanical barrier rather than a complex locking mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A tap lock has an engagement member, a barrier member, and a retainer member that extends between the engagement member and the barrier member and that retains the engagement member at a fixed position relative to the barrier member. The engagement member removably attaches to a support structure of a tap dispensing closure of a container body. The barrier member is disposed proximate an outlet passage and valve member of the tap dispensing closure. The barrier member limits movement of the valve member from a closed position toward an open position to prevent leakage of material from the outlet passage.