Universal Dispense Head with Movable Outer Shell for Beverage Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beer dispensing systems face challenges in maintaining optimal temperature and CO2 levels, are difficult to clean, and require specific dispense heads for different beverage container types, posing safety and hygiene concerns, especially in non-professional settings.
Innovation Solution
A universal dispense head with a movable outer shell, axial extension, and locking mechanism that fits various extractor tube systems, featuring a valve activation handle and fixation units for secure attachment, ensuring proper CO2 balance and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional beverage dispensing systems are used, then beer can be dispensed, but the temperature and CO2 levels cannot be maintained optimally
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shell is made movable along the axial extension between first and second positions, allowing dynamic adjustment of the sealing engagement with the flange. This enables the system to adapt to different beverage container types while maintaining optimal sealing for temperature and CO2 preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispense head is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of beverage containers through the movable outer shell and locking unit mechanism. A single dispense head can serve multiple container formats, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining beer quality.
2Reliability
If specific dispense heads are used for different beverage container types, then proper sealing is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispense head incorporates a universal design where the outer shell can be positioned at different locations along the axial extension to engage with various flange types. The locking unit adapts its radial position to secure different container formats, allowing one dispense head to work with multiple beverage container types while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable outer shell allows the sealing surface to dynamically adjust its position axially to match different container geometries. This dynamic adjustment enables proper sealing across various container types without requiring multiple fixed-configured dispense heads.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the outer shell is made movable to fit different containers, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispense head is segmented into distinct functional components: the movable outer shell, the stationary inner part, and the locking unit. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall mechanism while achieving versatility through coordinated movement of these modular elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable outer shell provides the necessary adaptability for different container types through a single degree of freedom movement along the axial extension. This dynamic element, combined with the locking unit's radial displacement, creates a versatile interface without requiring complex multi-axis mechanisms.
4Reliability
If locking mechanism is added to secure the flange, then reliability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit is designed to be radially displaceable, allowing it to engage with or disengage from the flange feature through simple radial movement. This dynamic locking mechanism can be activated or deactivated easily, providing secure attachment when needed while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive radial engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism appears to be designed to engage automatically when the outer shell is positioned correctly on the flange, reducing the need for manual intervention. The radial displacement of the locking unit may occur automatically through the mounting motion itself, providing secure attachment without complex manual操作步骤.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dispense head to be mounted on a beverage container having an extractor tube with a valve, the beverage container or the extractor tube having a radially extending flange, enabling a beverage present in the beverage container to be dispensed via a dispensing line, the dispense head having an axial extension and comprising an outer shell comprising a first aperture configured to receive at least the dispensing line and/or a gas inlet, the outer shell being movable along the axial extension between a first position and a second position, a stationary inner part arranged inside the outer shell, a first face of the stationary inner part is configured to abut the flange and be axially stationary in relation to the flange, the stationary inner part having a first end and a second end facing the beverage container, the stationary inner part having a wall part at the second end, a valve activation part at least partly extending inside the stationary inner part and movable in the axial extension in relation the stationary inner part for activation of the valve, and a handle pivoting around a pivot point in the first end of the stationary inner part for moving between a deactivated position and an activated position for moving the valve activation part in order to activate the valve, wherein the dispense head further comprises a locking unit arranged at the second end of the stationary inner part, the locking unit being arranged at a distance from the first face and configured to be radially displaced during the movement of the outer shell from the first position to the second position thereby enabling locking of the flange along the axial extension, and a fixation unit configured to fixate the outer shell in relation to the stationary inner part at least in the second position of the outer shell.