Beverage Container with Laminar Flow Device to Reduce Foaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Excessive foaming occurs when dispensing carbonated beverages, leading to waste and increased pouring time, as existing methods fail to maintain laminar flow and standardize pouring techniques effectively in commercial settings.
Innovation Solution
A container with a laminar flow device, featuring a tapered conical projection or fluted inner surface, directs fluid to the bottom with minimal turbulence, combined with a flow director for beer taps to minimize foam formation, ensuring a consistent pouring method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional pouring methods are used, then the pouring process is simple and quick, but excessive foaming occurs leading to waste and increased serving time
Solution Approach 1:
The container interior is segmented into distinct functional zones: a turbulence-reducing zone at the pour entry point, a laminar flow channeling zone with streamlined contours, and a settling zone near the bottom. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function in controlling fluid flow, reducing foam formation, and maintaining laminar flow without requiring complex external devices
Solution Approach 2:
A baffle or flow director element is introduced as an intermediary component within the container. This element mediates between the incoming turbulent flow and the beverage body, redirecting the flow to maintain laminar conditions and prevent excessive foaming while remaining integrated into the container structure
2Stability of the object's composition
If pouring technique is not standardized, then various pouring methods can be used, but turbulence increases leading to excessive foaming
Solution Approach 1:
The container incorporates pre-designed flow control features such as angled entry surfaces, streamlined internal contours, and positioned baffles that proactively counteract turbulence as the beverage enters. These features automatically compensate for variations in pouring technique, maintaining laminar flow stability without requiring the operator to master a specific pouring method
Solution Approach 2:
The container design changes the flow parameters through its geometry - the internal contours and baffle positions are specifically designed to convert turbulent flow into laminar flow by altering velocity distribution and flow direction, thereby stabilizing the flow composition regardless of pouring variations
3Productivity
If foam is allowed to dissipate before finishing pouring, then less waste occurs, but the time required to serve each customer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container performs preliminary flow stabilization and foam prevention actions during the pouring process itself through its laminar flow design. By maintaining laminar flow throughout the container, excessive foam formation is prevented from the outset, allowing rapid pouring without subsequent foam dissipation delays, thus maintaining high serving speed while minimizing waste
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 solution reduces foaming and waste by maintaining laminar flow during pouring, thereby decreasing the time required to serve customers and minimizing excess foam generation.
Implementation Method 1
A container which not only maintains a laminar flow of carbonated beverages while being poured but also standardizes the pouring technique
Implementation Method 2
The fluted portion of the projection preferably has a star-shaped cross-sectional configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A container such as a beverage container is characterized by a device arranged within the container to impart a laminar flow to a fluid being poured or dispensed within the container. The laminar flow device is arranged in either the central portion of the container or in a side wall of the container. In a preferred embodiment, the flow device includes a plurality of flutes which slow the flow of the beverage into the container. In addition, the container bottom wall is preferably concave to provide a smooth transition for the flow of beverage from the laminar device to the container bottom and up the interior of the container during filling. The laminar device reduces the formation of foam within the fluid during filling of the container. A flow director is also provided for connecting a fluid dispenser with the laminar flow device.