System and method for preparing a liquid product
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for preparing liquid products, such as beverages, face challenges in precisely controlling the preparation process under varying operating conditions and diverse product composition specifications, leading to inconsistencies in product quality and hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a product preparation assembly with a concentrate holder, a valve member for regulating the flow of product concentrate, and a controller to automatically control the valve member's position, allowing for precise control of the ratio between concentrate and liquid flow, enabling user-adjustable product quality parameters, including foamed product firmness, through integration with a liquid injector and gas injector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional system without a movable valve member is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of product composition and control precision under varying flow rates deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is made movable along the concentrate supply channel, transitioning from a static to a dynamic configuration. This allows the valve to adjust its position dynamically in response to varying water flow rates, maintaining precise control over concentrate flow and product composition under different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives information about water flow rate variations and automatically adjusts the valve member position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the concentrate-to-water ratio remains within specified ranges despite changes in operating conditions, achieving consistent product quality.
2Productivity
If manual control of concentrate flow is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and consistency of product preparation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment through automatic control. The controller automatically monitors water flow rate and adjusts the valve member position without requiring manual intervention, enabling the system to maintain optimal product composition and prepare multiple products consistently with high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical adjustment of the valve is replaced with an automated control system that uses sensors and actuators. This substitution enables precise, repeatable positioning of the valve member based on real-time flow rate measurements, ensuring consistent product preparation across multiple batches.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the valve member has limited positioning options, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to diverse product specifications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member can be positioned at multiple discrete locations along the concentrate supply channel, providing dynamic adjustment capability. This enables the system to adapt to diverse product specifications by selecting appropriate valve positions to achieve different concentrate flow rates and product compositions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow rate parameter by adjusting the valve member position. By moving the valve to different positions, the concentrate flow rate is varied to match different product requirements, achieving versatility in product specification while using a relatively simple positioning mechanism.
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 system provides improved control over product properties, ensuring consistent and high-quality liquid product dispensing, regardless of variable flow rates, with enhanced hygiene and user-adjustable preferences, achieving superior product quality and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid injector for supplying a flow of liquid into the product feedthrough channel
Implementation Method 2
a valve member for regulating the flow of product concentrate, the valve member being movable with respect to the concentrate supply channel between a first position in which the flow of concentrate is blocked and a second position in which the flow of concentrate is enabled
Implementation Method 3
a microfiltration device which includes gas transmissive pores through which during use the flow of gas is fed into the flow of product
Implementation Method 4
a heater for heating water
Implementation Method 5
means for pressurizing water, said means for pressurizing water being configured for detachable connection to the water connection of the disposable assembly for supplying water to the water inlet of the eductor
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for preparing a liquid product, for example a beverage. The system comprises a product preparation assembly comprising a concentrate holder for holding product concentrate, a product feedthrough channel, and a concentrate supply channel for feeding a flow of product concentrate from said holder to said product feedthrough channel. The concentrate supply channel is provided with a valve member for regulating the flow of product concentrate, the valve member being movable with respect to the concentrate supply channel between a first position in which the flow of concentrate is blocked and a second position in which the flow of concentrate is enabled. The system comprises a product preparation apparatus configured to cooperate with the product preparation assembly. The apparatus comprises a liquid injector for supplying a flow of liquid into the product feedthrough channel, in particular via the valve member, wherein the liquid injector is configured to engage the valve member for moving the valve member. The apparatus comprises a controller configured for automatically controlling a movement of the valve member along a range of positions via actuation of the liquid injector, said range of positions extending between the first position and the second position.