Vented Valve Assembly Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing valves for rigid containers face challenges in equalizing pressure differentials during liquid dispensing, leading to inefficiencies and potential messes, especially when dealing with both viscous and low viscosity liquids.
Innovation Solution
A self-venting valve assembly with a unitary tubular valve body, air vent, collapsible dome, and spring-type mechanisms that allow air to enter the container while preventing fluid ingress until use, ensuring a dual sealing bond and preventing rotation of the stem member, thereby maintaining a mess-free and efficient dispensing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a remote vent opening is used to equalize pressure in a rigid container, then pressure equalization is achieved, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the venting function with the dispensing valve by integrating a vent channel directly into the valve body. The vent channel includes a vent opening that communicates with the container interior, allowing pressure equalization to occur through the same component that controls liquid dispensing, thereby eliminating the need for a separate remote vent opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing valve is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls liquid dispensing through the valve member and simultaneously equalizes pressure through the integrated vent channel. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate venting components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable pressure equalization.
2Device complexity
If a self-venting valve is used to eliminate remote vent opening, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The vent channel is formed as an integral part of the valve body, combining the venting function with the main valve structure. This integration simplifies the overall device while the vent channel's direct formation in the valve body ensures precise alignment and reliable sealing between the vent opening and the container interior.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the valve is designed to work with both viscous and low viscosity liquids, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is designed with a simple yet versatile structure that can effectively control both viscous and low viscosity liquids. The valve member's linear movement within the valve body creates a seal that adapts to different liquid viscosities, providing universal functionality without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
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 effectively equalizes pressure within the container, allowing for steady and mess-free dispensing of liquids from rigid containers, suitable for both viscous and low viscosity liquids, by integrating an air vent and spring-type mechanisms that manage valve positions to prevent fluid leakage until activation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-type valve displacement pin carried on the second valve member for holding the first valve member closed when the collapsible dome is in the expanded state
Implementation Method 2
a collapsible dome member secured to the valve body in covering relation to said second end of the tubular valve body and movable between a compressed and an expanded state
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a vented valve assembly for attachment to a rigid container may include one or more of the following features: (a) a unitary tubular valve body of a generally cylindrical hollow form and having a liquid inlet end, and (b) a second end and a liquid outlet port, said liquid inlet end adapted for connection to a male spout on a wall of the rigid container, said liquid outlet port being exterior to the wall of the rigid container when the liquid inlet end is affixed to the spout, the valve body further including an air vent opening formed through a wall of the tubular valve body leading to a channel affixed to an inner wall of the tubular valve body, the channel having one open end.