Touchless Tap Handle with Check Valve and Detachable Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tap handles in beverage dispensing systems pose operational inefficiencies, including manual actuation interference with automated cycles, lack of a check-valve feature to prevent dripping and oxidation, and the need for calibration without staff interference.
Innovation Solution
A touchless tap handle system with a spring and ball check valve, a flow control valve, and a detachable control mechanism that prevents manual operation and allows for calibration, ensuring automated dispensing and preventing dripping and air contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional manual tap handles are used, then ease of operation is improved, but automation capability deteriorates due to manual actuation interference with automated cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the manual actuation capability from the tap handle by eliminating the traditional operational mechanism. The tap handle becomes a passive component that cannot be manually actuated, thereby extracting the conflicting manual operation function while preserving the automated dispensing cycle integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual actuation system with an automated electronic control system. The automated pour control system uses electronic signals to actuate the pour valve instead of manual mechanical operation, substituting the mechanical system with an automated control mechanism that eliminates interference between manual and automated operations.
2Ease of operation
If conventional beer taps are used, then ease of operation is improved, but beverage quality deteriorates due to lack of check-valve feature causing dripping and oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the check-valve function as a separate integrated component within the automated pour valve assembly. This check-valve feature prevents dripping between pours and oxidation of beverage in line, thereby improving beverage quality while the automated control system maintains ease of operation through electronic actuation.
3Ease of operation
If conventional tap handles are used, then ease of operation is improved, but system control deteriorates due to unauthorized modifications of flow parameters by staff
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the ability of serve staff to adjust flow parameters by eliminating accessible calibration mechanisms from the tap handle assembly. Flow calibration is extracted as a function controlled exclusively by system control staff through secure electronic interfaces, preventing unauthorized modifications while maintaining precise flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary security mechanism (keyed control mechanism) that mediates access to flow calibration functions. This intermediary prevents direct access by serve staff while allowing authorized system control staff to perform calibration, thereby protecting system settings while maintaining operational precision.
4Ease of operation
If conventional tap handles are used, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to operational inefficiencies in high volume venues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical actuation with automated electronic control to eliminate operational inefficiencies. The automated pour control system executes dispensing cycles without manual intervention, increasing dispensing speed and throughput while maintaining ease of operation through centralized electronic control interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous automated dispensing cycles without interruption by manual actuation delays or errors. The automated system maintains continuous operation, optimizing throughput in high volume venues by eliminating breaks in the dispensing cycle that occur with manual 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 enhances accuracy and repeatability of beverage dispensing, reduces variability, and prevents unauthorized modifications to system flow parameters, improving overall system performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The check valve mechanism includes a spring and ball construction
Implementation Method 2
The check valve mechanism includes a spring and ball construction
Implementation Method 3
The control mechanism may thereby be keyed and can be removed after field installation to prevent bartenders from inadvertently or otherwise modifying system flow parameters
Data Source
AI summary
A touchless tap handle for beverage dispensing is provided that incorporates a spring and ball check valve within a spigot housing. The spigot housing as a male threaded end for connection to a beverage dispensing line. Between the beverage connection and the check valve is a flow control valve having a detachable control mechanism. A system operator can use the control mechanism to calibrate fluid flow. The control mechanism is further fastened or keyed to allow for removal after modifying system flow parameters. A tap handle extension is further provided that can be threadingly affixed to the spigot housing. The tap handle extension specifically does not control operational parameters, which are intended to be initiated through pushbutton control of a pour control system.