Annular Beverage Nozzle Geometry for High-Flow Low-Foam Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage dispensers using Stevia-based concentrates experience excessive foaming during dispensing due to altered surface tension properties, which can hinder operation and create a negative consumer impression.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing nozzle design with an annular concentrate path and diluent path, featuring a shallow angled mixing path of 10 degrees or less, which matches fluid stream velocities and minimizes turbulence to reduce foaming, allowing for high flow rates and effective mixing of Stevia-based concentrates with diluents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Stevia-based concentrate is dispensed using conventional nozzles, then the beverage can be dispensed, but excessive foaming occurs due to altered surface tension properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the nozzle, specifically the mixing angle between concentrate and diluent streams. By reducing the mixing angle to 10 degrees or less, the turbulence and surface tension disruption are minimized, thereby reducing foaming while maintaining dispensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional downward mixing configuration to a horizontal or shallow-angled mixing configuration. The concentrate and diluent streams mix at a shallow angle rather than falling vertically together, which reduces the violent interaction that causes foaming
2Stability of the object's composition
If mixing angle is increased to enhance mixing, then mixing efficiency improves, but turbulence increases causing excessive foaming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the mixing angle parameter to 10 degrees or less, finding the optimal balance between mixing efficiency and foaming reduction. This parameter change allows adequate mixing while minimizing turbulence-induced foaming
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved stream paths and rounded mixing zones rather than sharp angular intersections. The curved geometry of the nozzle internal passages guides the streams to merge smoothly, reducing turbulence while maintaining mixing effectiveness
3Ease of manufacture
If nozzle design is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost decreases, but ability to accommodate different fluid viscosities and flow rates is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal nozzle geometry with a shallow mixing angle that effectively handles multiple fluid types including Stevia-based concentrates, traditional syrups, and carbonated beverages. The same basic design accommodates varying viscosities and flow rates without requiring modification
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle is designed as a modular assembly with separate concentrate and diluent pathways that converge at the mixing zone. This segmented design allows independent optimization of each flow path while maintaining overall simplicity and manufacturability
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 nozzle achieves reduced foaming and maintains adequate flow rates, enabling dispensing at twice the rate of existing nozzles while ensuring good mixing and minimal turbulence, particularly with Stevia-based beverages.
Implementation Method 1
the lower shroud conical portion forms an angled mixing path for the flow of diluent at the end of the annular diluent path towards the flow of the Stevia-based concentrate such that the flow of the diluent and the flow of the Stevia-based concentrate mix downstream of the dispensing nozzle
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application provides a dispensing nozzle for use with a flow of a diluent and a flow of a concentrate. The beverage dispenser may include an annular concentrate path of the flow of the concentrate and an annular diluent path surrounding at least in part the annular concentrate path for the flow of the diluent. The annular diluent path may include a shallow angle leading towards the flow of the concentrate such that the flow of the diluent and the flow of the concentrate mix in or downstream of the dispensing nozzle.