Cartridge for Beverage Making Machine Carbonation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for carbonating liquids in beverage preparation often require complex setups, high pressures, and can be messy, with limited control over carbonation levels and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A beverage making system that uses cartridges containing a gas source, such as a charged zeolite, and a beverage medium, which are integrated into a machine that controls gas emission and mixing with the liquid, allowing for efficient carbonation and flavoring in a compact, user-friendly format.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cartridge containing gas source and beverage medium is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage making system is divided into separate functional cartridges: a gas source cartridge containing carbon dioxide and a beverage medium cartridge containing flavoring. These cartridges can be independently manufactured, stored, and replaced by the user, simplifying operation while the integrated cartridge design reduces overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The gas source and beverage medium are extracted from the main system and placed into separate disposable cartridges. This extraction allows the main system to remain simple while providing user-friendly replaceable components that handle the complex carbonation and flavoring functions
2Quantity of substance
If high pressure is used for carbonation, then carbonation level is improved, but harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the pressure parameter dynamically during the beverage making process. The gas source cartridge is pressurized to high pressure only temporarily during the carbonation phase, then the pressure is reduced while the beverage medium is added. This parameter change allows high carbonation levels to be achieved without maintaining high pressure throughout the process, reducing harmful effects
Solution Approach 2:
The carbonation process uses periodic action by first pressurizing the gas source cartridge to dissolve CO2 in the liquid, then releasing the pressure before adding the beverage medium. This periodic pressure application achieves effective carbonation while minimizing the time the system is under high pressure, reducing harmful effects
3Measurement precision
If complex carbonation systems are used, then carbonation control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors detect the state of the beverage medium and gas source, automatically controlling the timing of pressure application and medium addition. This feedback control enables precise carbonation levels to be achieved through automated control rather than complex manual controls, reducing overall device complexity
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 rapid production of highly carbonated beverages with precise control over carbonation levels, reducing waste and complexity, and minimizing contact with carbon dioxide sources, while maintaining a compact and convenient operation.
Implementation Method 1
dissolving gas that is emitted from the first cartridge portion into the precursor liquid
Implementation Method 2
dissolving gas that is emitted from the first cartridge portion into the precursor liquid
Implementation Method 3
A gas source, such as a charged zeolite, is provided in a cartridge
Implementation Method 4
a gas source arranged to emit carbon dioxide or other gas for use in carbonating the precursor liquid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage. A gas source can be provided in a cartridge which is used to generate gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid. A beverage medium, such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in the same, or a separate cartridge as the gas source and mixed with the precursor liquid to form a beverage. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source and/or beverage medium may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making sparkling beverages, e.g., in the consumer's home.