Three-Way Valve for Pressurized Liquid Dispenser Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing appliances are not well adapted for use with smaller, polymeric kegs intended for recycling, as they require more energy to overcome internal pressure and can be dangerous when pressure is released, and they do not efficiently manage the transition from dispensing to venting to reduce ecological impact and costs.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing appliance featuring a three-way valve coupled to the gas tube, with a keg duct, gas duct, and vent duct, allowing switching between dispensing and venting positions to manage pressure and facilitate the use of polymeric kegs, including a keg connector with clamping and blocking mechanisms to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pressurized gas is injected into polymeric kegs to drive dispensing, then the liquid can be dispensed effectively, but the internal pressure becomes dangerous and energy-consuming to manage when releasing empty kegs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by automatically venting the internal pressure of the keg through a valve system before the keg is removed from the dispensing appliance. The valve detects when dispensing is complete and automatically releases the pressurized gas, eliminating the dangerous high-pressure state before the user handles the empty keg. This preliminary pressure release action prevents the harmful effect of dangerous internal pressure while maintaining efficient dispensing operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If smaller polymeric kegs are used to reduce ecological impact and cost, then recyclability improves, but the internal pressure management becomes more complex and energy-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing an automatic pressure management system where the valve autonomously controls the internal pressure of the keg based on dispensing status. The system self-regulates by detecting when dispensing is complete and automatically venting pressure without requiring manual intervention or complex external pressure management equipment. This reduces the overall device complexity while maintaining effective pressure control for smaller polymeric kegs.
3Volume of moving object
If the keg is squeezed to reduce volume for transportation, then shipping efficiency improves, but the process becomes more energy-intensive and dangerous when the keg is still pressurized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by automatically venting the internal pressure of the keg through a valve system before the keg is removed from the dispensing appliance. The valve detects when dispensing is complete and automatically releases the pressurized gas, eliminating the dangerous high-pressure state before the user handles the empty keg. This preliminary pressure release action prevents the harmful effect of dangerous internal pressure while maintaining efficient dispensing operation.
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 solution enables efficient dispensing and safe pressure management, allowing for the use of polymeric kegs, reducing energy requirements, and enabling the safe collapse and recycling of empty kegs, thereby addressing the challenges of smaller keg sizes and ecological impact.
Implementation Method 1
a three way valve is coupled to the downstream end of the gas tube, said three way valve comprising: a keg duct suitable for being brought into fluid communication with the interior of the container; a gas duct connected to the downstream end of the gas tube; and a vent duct; and in that the three way valve can switch from a dispensing position wherein the keg duct is in fluid communication with the gas duct, and out of fluid communication with the vent duct, to a venting position, wherein the keg duct is in fluid communication with the vent duct, and out of fluid communication with the gas duct
Implementation Method 2
A gas tube for feeding a pressurized gas into the container for driving the dispensing of liquid out of the container through the dispensing tube
Data Source
AI summary
A device for dispensing liquid from a container includes a dispensing tube to dispense the liquid through a dispensing valve. A gas tube feeds pressurized gas into the container. The upstream end of the gas tube connects to a source of pressurized gas. A three way valve is coupled to the downstream end of the gas tube. The three way valve includes a keg duct in communication with the interior of the container, a gas duct connected to the downstream end of the gas tube, and a vent duct. The three way valve can switch from a dispensing position in which the keg duct is in communication with the gas duct, and out of communication with the vent duct, to a venting position in which the keg duct is in fluid communication with the vent duct and out of fluid communication with the gas duct.