Batch Carbonator with Agitation for Adjustable Beverage Carbonation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbonation apparatus are limited in their ability to adjust carbonation levels in beverages and can only carbonate water sources, failing to effectively carbonate pre-mixed or finished beverages.
Innovation Solution
A batch carbonation apparatus with a housing, agitation mechanism, and pressure vessel that allows for adjustable CO2 pressure and agitation to achieve desired carbonation levels in finished beverages, using a selection toggle and control mechanism to introduce CO2 at specific pressures and agitate the liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art carbonation apparatus are used to carbonate beverages, then carbonation can be introduced, but the carbonation level cannot be adjusted and the beverage cannot be agitated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable carbonation levels through a pressure regulator that allows dynamic control of CO2 pressure, and an agitation mechanism that can be activated to mix the beverage. These dynamic elements enable the same apparatus to achieve varying carbonation levels and agitation effects without requiring multiple fixed devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus combines multiple functions into a single device: carbonation introduction, pressure regulation for level control, and agitation capability. This multi-functional design allows the apparatus to handle both water sources and finished beverages with adjustable carbonation, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If prior art apparatus carbonate only water sources, then the process is simple, but they cannot carbonate finished beverages or pre-mixed beverages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables carbonation of different beverage types by adjusting key parameters: CO2 pressure (via regulator), agitation intensity (via mechanism activation), and contact time. These parameter adjustments allow the same apparatus to effectively carbonate water sources, pre-mixed beverages, and finished beverages with varying compositions and carbonation requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If CO2 is introduced at high pressure to achieve high carbonation, then carbonation level increases, but control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates a pressure regulator that provides controlled pressure reduction from the CO2 source, enabling precise adjustment of CO2 pressure before introduction. This feedback-controlled pressure regulation system allows operators to select specific carbonation levels by adjusting the regulator, achieving precise control without requiring complex real-time monitoring 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
Enables precise control over carbonation levels in finished beverages, allowing for a range of carbonation from highly carbonated to less carbonated, improving taste and efficiency by saturating the liquid with CO2.
Implementation Method 1
introducing CO2 at a specified pressure for a predetermined time to saturate the liquid beverage and forming a carbonated beverage having a selected carbonation level
Implementation Method 2
the agitation mechanism agitates liquid within the pressure vessel forming a carbonated beverage having a selected carbonation level
Data Source
AI summary
A batch carbonation apparatus includes a housing defining a vessel cavity. The housing includes an agitation mechanism. The pressure vessel includes a cap that has a CO2 inlet and a CO2 outlet is provided. The pressure vessel also includes a seal. The pressure vessel is moveable into an out of the vessel cavity. A locking mechanism is provided and is attached to the agitation mechanism to removably lock the cap and seal relative to the pressure vessel. A CO2 source is connected to a plurality of valves where each valve has a differing pressure. A selection toggle is attached to the housing. A control mechanism is coupled to the plurality of valves. A user selects a desired carbonation level using the selection toggle and CO2 is introduced to the pressure vessel at a specified pressure wherein the agitation mechanism agitates liquid within the pressure vessel forming a carbonated beverage having a selected carbonation level. Also disclosed is a process of forming a carbonated beverage in a batch.