Beverage Cartridge Aperture Microstructures for Low-Pressure Foam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation cartridges for domestic use are costly and inefficient in producing high-quality beverages like crema or milk foam due to high pressure requirements and lack of effective air entrainment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge with microscopic projections at the aperture of the beverage flow path to induce turbulence and entrain air bubbles, enhancing beverage quality at lower pressures, specifically designed for domestic use with cost-effective materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high pressure is used to produce beverage foam, then foam quality is improved, but machine cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operating pressure parameter from high pressure (>6×10^5 Pa) to low pressure (0.7 to 2.0×10^5 Pa) by introducing microscopic projections that create turbulence and air entrainment, allowing foam production without high-pressure pumps and seals
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical high-pressure system with a turbulence-based system using microscopic projections at the aperture, which mechanically induce air entrainment and foam formation at lower pressures
2Reliability
If high pressure is used to produce beverage foam, then foam quality is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operating pressure parameter from high pressure to low pressure, enabling the use of simpler, cheaper components and reducing overall system cost while maintaining foam quality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a disposable cartridge with integrated microscopic projections, replacing expensive durable high-pressure machine components with a low-cost single-use element
3Ease of manufacture
If smooth flow conduit is used, then manufacturing is easier, but air entrainment and foam production are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by adding microscopic projections only at the aperture region where they are most effective for air entrainment, rather than making the entire conduit rough or complex
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the flow path by introducing discrete microscopic projections as separate features on the aperture surface, creating localized turbulence zones without complicating the overall conduit structure
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 cartridge effectively produces high-quality crema or milk foam at lower pressures by entraining air bubbles, improving beverage consistency and reducing production costs, making it suitable for the domestic market.
Implementation Method 1
The microscopic projections serve to induce turbulence in the flow of beverage passing through the flow conduit leading to entrainment of a larger quantity of smaller air bubbles
Implementation Method 2
The microscopic projections serve to induce turbulence in the flow of beverage passing through the flow conduit leading to entrainment of a larger quantity of smaller air bubbles
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials. The cartridge comprises an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge, and an outlet for a beverage produced from the one or more beverage ingredients. The cartridge comprises means for producing a jet of the beverage having an aperture in a beverage flow path linking the inlet to the outlet, and one or more microscopic projections at or in the vicinity of the aperture for contacting the beverage flow path.