Touchless Tap Handle with Spring Ball Check Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tap handles in beverage dispensing systems cause inefficiencies due to manual actuation interference with automated cycles, lack of check-valve features for preventing dripping and oxidation, and need for calibration protection from unauthorized staff.
Innovation Solution
A touchless tap handle system with a spring and ball check valve, flow control valve, and detachable control mechanism to prevent manual operation and ensure precise fluid flow calibration, integrated into a spigot housing with a threaded connection for automated beverage dispensing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional tap handle is used for beverage dispensing, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but manual actuation interferes with automated dispensing cycles and reduces system productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the manual actuation capability from the tap handle by making the valve mechanism inaccessible to users. The valve is enclosed within the spigot housing with no external manual control interface, effectively extracting the manual operation function while preserving automated control through the pour control system's electronic actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the enclosed valve mechanism within the spigot housing that can only be actuated by the automated pour control system. This intermediary prevents direct manual interaction while enabling automated control, resolving the conflict between simplicity and automated efficiency.
2Reliability
If a conventional tap handle is used, then the device complexity is low, but there is no check-valve feature to prevent dripping and oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the check-valve function with the existing valve mechanism by integrating a check-valve feature into the spigot housing structure. This combination allows the system to maintain a relatively compact design while adding the protective function against dripping and oxidation, as the check valve works in conjunction with the existing valve assembly rather than adding a completely separate mechanism.
3Measurement precision
If a flow control valve with detachable control mechanism is provided, then calibration precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow control function into a separate, detachable control mechanism that can be removed after field installation. This segmentation allows the calibration feature to be accessible during setup and maintenance while preventing unauthorized modification during operation. The control mechanism is divided into distinct components - the flow control valve body and the detachable control mechanism - enabling precise calibration without permanently increasing structural complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a tap handle extension is added for branded handles, then adaptability is improved, but manual valve control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the manual control capability from the tap handle extension by designing the extension to be purely cosmetic and non-functional. The extension can be threadingly affixed to the spigot housing for branding purposes, but it explicitly does not control operational parameters, separating the aesthetic customization function from the operational control function that remains exclusively with the automated pour control system.
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
Prevents bartender interference during automated dispensing, reduces dripping and oxidation, ensures precise and repeatable volume control, and allows only authorized personnel to modify flow parameters, enhancing system accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
incorporates a spring and ball check valve within a spigot housing
Implementation Method 2
spring and ball check valve within a spigot housing
Implementation Method 3
flow control valve having a detachable control mechanism
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 touchscreen or pushbutton control of a pour control system.