Beverage Dispense Apparatus Head Formation via Restrictor Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for dispensing beverages from single serve containers, such as cans or bottles, fail to replicate the traditional draught dispense experience due to space and cost constraints, and existing solutions like widgets or ultrasonic excitation either add expense or require complex equipment, while compressed air systems are not suitable for direct contact with the beverage.
Innovation Solution
A compact beverage dispense apparatus that secures a single serve package with a receiving feature, uses a gas delivery mechanism with a puncturing device to introduce compressed air directly into the package, and includes a restrictor plate to create a head, mimicking the draught dispense process without requiring extensive maintenance or space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a multi-aperture creamer plate is used to force beverage through, then a creamy head is produced on nitrogenated beers, but excessive frothing and an obstructive head are caused on lager or purely carbonated beverages
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor plate is designed with a single aperture specifically sized and shaped to control gas release locally, rather than using multiple apertures that cause widespread frothing. This localized control allows head formation without excessive frothing across different beverage types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts the aperture size and gas pressure parameters to match the specific beverage type being dispensed, optimizing head formation while preventing excessive frothing by changing the physical parameters of the restrictor plate and gas delivery.
2Shape
If a widget is inserted into the can to float on the beverage surface and release gas, then a head is formed on the beverage, but manufacturing expense and plastic waste are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The widget component is completely removed from the system. Instead of inserting a separate plastic device into the can, the head formation function is achieved through the restrictor plate and compressed air system integrated into the dispensing apparatus, eliminating the need for widgets and their associated manufacturing costs and waste.
Solution Approach 2:
Compressed air is introduced as an intermediary substance to facilitate head formation. The gas mediates between the beverage and the desired head structure, replacing the need for a physical widget while achieving the same functional outcome of gas release and bubble formation.
3Shape
If ultrasonic excitation is used to produce cavitation and encourage gas out of solution, then a head is formed on the beverage, but relatively straightforward equipment is required that does not require much space
Solution Approach 1:
The complex ultrasonic excitation system is replaced with a simpler mechanical and pneumatic system. Instead of using ultrasonic waves to create cavitation, the invention uses compressed air pressure differential and a restrictor plate to achieve head formation, significantly reducing equipment complexity while maintaining the desired effect.
4Productivity
If compressed air is used to assist emptying a unit-serve beverage container, then beverage is delivered to a drinking vessel, but back-contamination is prevented because a pressure duct is immediately under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
Compressed air is introduced into the beverage container before the dispensing process begins. This preliminary pressurization ensures that the pressure differential is already established, preventing any potential back-contamination from the start and enabling immediate beverage flow when the aperture is opened.
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
This solution allows for a consistent and efficient formation of a head on beverages, enhancing the drinking experience while being cost-effective and space-efficient, suitable for both commercial and home use, by replicating the draught dispense process in a compact device.
Implementation Method 1
Gas under pressure can be further utilised to force the beverage through a multi-aperture 'creamer plate' which encourages dissolved gas out of solution
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasonic excitation causes cavitation of the liquid which encourages the gas in the liquid to come out of solution
Implementation Method 3
An internal volume of the widget is pressurised during the filling process and, upon opening the beverage package, a pressure differential causes a jet of gas/beverage to be released into the main volume of beverage
Implementation Method 4
triggering nucleation of the dissolved gas to bubble out of solution. The gas thus forms as tiny bubbles which migrate to the surface of the liquid, forming a head of froth on the surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3(i)~4(vi)
Figure 5(vii)~6
AI summary
An apparatus (10) and method for dispensing beverage from a single serve beverage package (b), e.g. an aluminium can B. In operation the sealed package (B) is located and held in a receiving enclosure (11) where, firstly, a dispense end of the package is opened by a piercing element (24) and, secondly, a gas is introduced under pressure at a second end through a hollow needle (19). Gas from a pump, into the internal volume of package (B), is then used to drive beverage from the beverage package, e.g. through a restrictor structure (27), at the dispense end and into a drinking vessel (G). The pump mode may then apply negative pressure to prevent flow and enable a pause in flow or at completion of delivery to a vessel (G).