W-Shaped Spring Auto-Shutoff for Bag-in-Box Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing air auto-shut off mechanisms for Bag-in-Box pumps restrict air flow as the container runs empty, leading to premature exhaustion of CO2 due to partial closure, rather than complete shut-off.
Innovation Solution
A dual-chamber system comprising a fluid chamber and a gas chamber, where the fluid chamber responds to vacuum pressure to trigger the gas chamber's valve assembly, using a W-shaped spring to completely shut off gas supply when the container is empty, ensuring the pump turns off without partial closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the auto-shut-off mechanism restricts air flow as the BIB runs empty, then the pump slows down, but CO2 is exhausted prematurely due to partial closure
Solution Approach 1:
The auto-shut-off mechanism is divided into two distinct stages: a restriction stage that slows the pump as the BIB runs empty, and a complete shut-off stage that prevents CO2 exhaustion. The spring assembly with its movable member creates a progressive restriction that transitions to complete closure, separating the flow reduction function from the complete shut-off function to address both contradictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable member of the spring assembly dynamically adjusts the air flow restriction based on the pumping conditions. As the BIB runs empty and vacuum builds up, the movable member progressively restricts air flow, then completely shuts it off. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize pump performance throughout the dispensing cycle while preventing CO2 loss.
2Loss of substance
If the auto-shut-off mechanism completely shuts off air flow, then CO2 is saved, but the pump stops too early reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly is pre-configured with a movable member that begins restricting air flow before the BIB is completely empty. This preliminary restriction slows the pump gradually, allowing the system to maintain productivity while preparing for complete shut-off at the optimal moment to conserve CO2.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable member continues to restrict air flow progressively as the BIB runs empty, maintaining pump operation at reduced speed rather than abrupt shutdown. This continuous useful action extends pump operation duration while gradually reducing air flow, balancing productivity and CO2 conservation.
3Device complexity
If a simple valve assembly is used, then the device is simple, but it cannot provide progressive restriction of air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member acts as an intermediary element between the spring assembly and the valve. It translates the spring's mechanical energy into progressive air flow restriction through its interaction with the valve seat. This intermediary component adds flow control capability without requiring a completely complex valve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable member is actuated by the spring assembly itself, which is triggered by the vacuum pressure from the pump. The system uses its own operating conditions (vacuum) to automatically adjust the air flow restriction through the movable member, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms and keeping the device relatively simple.
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 premature CO2 exhaustion by ensuring complete air shut-off when the syrup bag is empty, maintaining efficiency and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid chamber responds to a vacuum created in the fluid chamber when the container of fluid is substantially empty
Implementation Method 2
a spring arranged therein under compression, where the diaphragm responds to the vacuum pressure and moves the piston assembly so as to provide the fluid chamber force
Implementation Method 3
the W-shaped spring moves a valve assembly to the opposite direction (e.g. left) and blocks the hole in the spool, which turns off the gas being supplied to the pump
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a device for turning off a pump. In operation, when the device is activated there is vacuum pressure in a syrup chamber. A diaphragm acting in response to the vacuum causes a piston assembly in the syrup chamber to move in the one direction (e.g. right), thus compressing a W-shaped spring in the air chamber. As the piston assembly moves, a spring holder of the W-shaped spring also moves to the one direction. As the W-shaped spring is compressed over and passed the most compressed position, the W-shaped spring moves a valve assembly in the air chamber to an opposite direction (e.g. left) and blocks a hole in a spool that otherwise allows air to pass through the air chamber to activate the pump. When the air is stopped, this turns off the pump.