Valve Insert with Segmented Flow Paths for Keg Taps
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve inserts for containers like kegs suffer from dripping after a tapping process, leading to contamination due to residual drink or beer trickling out of the tap outlet, which is not suitable for containers under pressurized gas.
Innovation Solution
A valve insert with a rotationally symmetrical stopper body featuring two axial bores, each with operable spring-loaded valves, allowing for two flow paths that can be alternately opened and closed to prevent simultaneous operation, ensuring no negative pressure at the tap outlet when closed, thus preventing product residues from leaking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single flow path with a spring-loaded valve is used in the valve insert, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but product residues remain in the outlet pipe after closing the valve, causing dripping and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The single flow path is segmented into two separate flow paths: a first flow path for product flow and a second flow path for gas flow. This segmentation allows independent control of product dispensing and system pressurization, enabling the product path to be completely drained while the gas path maintains pressure to prevent dripping.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication channel is introduced as an intermediary element that connects the first and second flow paths. This channel allows pressure equalization between the product and gas paths, ensuring that when the product valve closes, residual product is pushed out by gas pressure from the second path, preventing dripping.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pressurized gas source is connected to the valve insert, then the container can be properly pressurized for dispensing, but an additional flow path creates a risk of gas escaping through the tap when the valve is not actuated
Solution Approach 1:
The flow paths are segmented into a first flow path for product and a second flow path for gas, with separate valve control. This allows the gas path to remain isolated and controlled independently, preventing gas from escaping through the product tap while maintaining pressurization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system is designed to be dynamically controllable, where the state of the first valve (product) and second valve (gas) can be independently adjusted. When the product valve is closed, the gas valve can be configured to prevent gas flow to the tap, adapting the system behavior to prevent gas escape while maintaining pressurization when needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the tap outlet is aerated during non-use, then product residues can drain completely, but this requires a specific valve configuration that prevents simultaneous operation of multiple flow paths
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the flow paths into separate first and second paths with independent valves, the system enables selective aeration of the product path through the communication channel while keeping the gas path controlled. This segmentation makes the controlled aeration function achievable without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication channel between the first and second flow paths provides a feedback mechanism where gas pressure from the second path can be utilized to push residual product out of the first path when aeration occurs. This automatic feedback mechanism reduces the need for complex active control systems.
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 valve insert effectively prevents dripping by ensuring that the tap outlet is not aerated when not in use, allowing complete drainage of product residues after tapping, maintaining container integrity and preventing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
each of which can be opened and closed by means of a valve... spring-loaded valves are arranged in the bores
Implementation Method 2
A spring, supported by a siphon section to which the valve body is connected at its lower end, pushes the valve body and the connecting valve body upwards into a closed position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a valve insert (1) for a container (2) and a container (2) with such a valve insert (1), wherein the valve insert (1) has a plug body (10) with two axial bores for flow paths into and out of the container (2). Each flow path can be opened and closed by means of a valve. A first axial bore is not arranged centrally and has a shoulder (17b) and a diameter-reduced section (17a) between an upper bore section (15) and a lower bore section (17), with a receiving bore (13) with an increased diameter adjoining the upper bore section (15). The plug body (10) has two axially spaced radial bores (14, 16) that open into the receiving bore (13) and into the lower bore section (15).The valve insert (1) has a cooperating valve combination consisting of a first valve with a first valve seat (15a) located in the upper bore section (15) and a second valve with a second valve seat (17b) formed by the shoulder (17b), wherein the cooperating valve combination allows two flow paths (a,b) to be closed jointly or alternately: a first flow path (a) from the first radial bore (14) through the receiving bore (13) via the upper bore section (15) into the second radial bore (16) and a second flow path (b) from the lower bore section (17) through the diameter-reduced section (17a) via the upper bore section (15) into the second radial bore (16).