Valve Closure With Frangible Depressurizing Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve closures for liquid containers like beer kegs lack a reliable and user-friendly mechanism for over-pressure relief and safe depressurization, posing risks during disposal or recycling, especially when multiple use is not intended.
Innovation Solution
A valve closure with a user-operable depressurizing lever that separates from the closure body, incorporating a spring-urged plunger and a frangible connection, allowing manual operation to permanently open the over-pressure relief valve and ensure safe venting and permanent depressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user-operable depressurising mechanism is added to the valve closure, then safe manual depressurization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The depressurising lever (50) is integrated into the existing valve closure body (1), combining the manual depressurization function with the existing closure structure. The lever utilizes the same sealing surfaces and valve seats already present in the A-type valve, merging multiple functions into a unified structure rather than adding separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded plunger (53) automatically returns to its sealing position against seat (52) after being displaced by the lever, and the frangible connection (62) automatically breaks when excessive force is applied or after use, providing self-resetting and self-limited functionality without requiring additional control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a frangible connection is incorporated to enable permanent opening, then safety during disposal is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible connection (62) is pre-positioned at a specific weak point in the lever structure during manufacturing, designed to break at a predetermined location when excessive force is applied or after use. This preliminary preparation ensures automatic permanent opening occurs without requiring complex control systems or additional manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible connection is designed as a simple, inexpensive feature integrated into the lever structure, utilizing standard molding techniques for plastic components. The connection is intended for single-use disposal applications where the lever permanently remains open after breaking, eliminating the need for complex resetting mechanisms or expensive specialized components.
3Ease of operation
If the depressurising lever is made resiliently flexible, then ease of operation is improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lever (50) is constructed from resiliently flexible material that allows controlled bending and deflection during operation. The flexibility is localized to specific regions of the lever that can safely deform, while maintaining sufficient structural integrity in critical load-bearing areas to withstand the forces required for reliable operation and sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamically flexible component that can adapt its shape during operation. The resilient flexibility allows the lever to flex during actuation, absorb operational stresses, and return to its original position, providing tactile feedback and ease of operation while maintaining adequate strength through controlled elastic deformation.
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
Enables safe and controlled over-pressure relief and permanent depressurization of containers, preventing re-use and ensuring safe disposal or recycling, while maintaining automatic over-pressure relief functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an over-pressure relief valve (40) which comprises a plunger (53) which is urged against a seat (52) by a spring (57)
Data Source
AI summary
The valve closure (e.g. an A-type closure) has a closure body (1) for attachment to a container, a gas inlet port (14), a liquid dispensing port (25), and a valve member (6) to sealably close the gas inlet and liquid dispensing ports. An over-pressure relief valve (40) is configured to release gas from within the container in the event that an internal pressure limit is exceeded, and a user-operable depressurising lever (50) is arranged to permit the over-pressure relief valve to be manually opened. The over-pressure relief valve (40) comprises a plunger (53) which is urged against a seat (52) by a spring (57), and the depressurising lever (50) incorporates an abutment (58) for the spring (57). The plunger (53) includes an arrowhead formation (59) by which the depressurising lever (50) engages the plunger to hold the valve open during manual operation. The depressurising lever (50) incorporates an integral hinge (62) which also forms a frangible connection so that the lever becomes detached from the closure body and permanently opens the over-pressure release valve when manually operated.