Outlet valve for an infusion container, and infusion container
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion container outlet valves are not reliably reproducible due to variations in container filling levels and production fluctuations, leading to inconsistent pressure-induced opening times.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-independent outlet valve design with a movable closure and sealing element, featuring a hollow-cylindrical configuration and threads for axial movement, ensuring consistent and drip-free dispensing, potentially fabricated from biodegradable plastics with elastically deformable options for enhanced sealing and manufacturing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the outlet valve opens based on excess pressure from compressing the container, then the infusion beverage can be dispensed, but the opening time is not reliably reproducible due to filling level variations and production fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pressure-dependent mechanical opening mechanism with a thread-based mechanical advantage system. Instead of relying on pressure fluctuations to force the closure open, the user applies rotational force to a thread on the closure, which converts to precise axial movement to open the valve at a controlled, reproducible moment regardless of filling level variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from pressure-based opening to rotation-based opening. By threading the closure and requiring rotational input, the system transforms the opening mechanism from one sensitive to pressure variations into one controlled by user-applied torque, achieving consistent and reproducible operation.
2Ease of operation
If the outlet valve is positioned close to the infusion container, then the structure is compact, but the dispensing produces dribbling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the outlet valve structure in the axial direction away from the container body. By positioning the outlet opening at the end of an extended valve body rather than close to the container, the design enables drip-free dispensing while maintaining overall compactness through directional extension rather than volumetric expansion.
3Reliability
If a sealing element is added to prevent unintentional dispensing and moisture penetration, then sealing reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing element with the closure body itself. Rather than adding a separate sealing component, the closure is designed with an integrated sealing surface that abuts against the valve body, achieving reliable sealing while minimizing structural complexity and part count.
Data Source
AI summary
An outlet valve (30) for an infusion container (20) for receiving a dried infusion substance and an infusion container are disclosed. The outlet valve (30) has a valve body (32) and a closure (31). The closure (31) is movable relative to the valve body (32) in an axial direction from a first position into a second position.