Beverage Dispenser Gas Adapter External Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-contained gas-powered beverage dispensing devices using 6.5 gram cartridges have a limited useful life, requiring frequent replacements and increasing operational costs due to the need for frequent cartridge changes, especially when a large number of servings are needed.
Innovation Solution
A compressed gas delivery adapter that connects a conventional self-contained gas-powered beverage dispensing device to an external source of compressed gas, allowing for a larger supply of gas to be used without altering the device, using a hose connected to a gas manifold for continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a 6.5 gram disposable gas cartridge is used in a self-contained beverage dispensing device, then the device is simple and inexpensive to operate, but the cartridge must be replaced frequently after 10-15 pours, increasing operational costs and interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
A gas delivery adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the beverage dispensing device and the gas source. The adapter includes a receiving chamber that accepts a disposable gas cartridge and a discharge nipple that connects to the dispensing device, allowing the cartridge to be replaced outside the device itself. This mediator enables frequent cartridge changes without interrupting the dispensing operation, as multiple cartridges can be pre-loaded in the receiving chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas delivery system is segmented into separate functional components: the beverage dispensing device, the gas delivery adapter, the receiving chamber, and the disposable gas cartridge. This segmentation allows the cartridge replacement function to be decoupled from the dispensing operation, enabling independent optimization of each component and allowing cartridge changes to occur without stopping the dispensing device.
2Productivity
If a larger external gas supply with hoses and fittings is used, then more pours are available between replacements, but the device cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The gas delivery adapter serves multiple functions: it provides a connection interface between the dispensing device and gas source, houses a replaceable receiving chamber for cartridges, and maintains pressure regulation. This multi-functional design allows the system to achieve extended pouring capacity without the complexity of dedicated pressure regulation systems, hoses, and fittings required by traditional external gas supply systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter system replicates the familiar cartridge interface and connection mechanism of the original self-contained device, allowing users to leverage existing disposable cartridges without requiring new infrastructure. The adapter copy enables external gas supply functionality while maintaining compatibility with the original device's simple operation paradigm.
3Device complexity
If disposable gas cartridges are used, then the device remains simple and low-cost, but operational costs increase due to frequent cartridge replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving chamber is pre-loaded with multiple gas cartridges before use, and the adapter is designed to automatically or manually advance to the next cartridge when the current one is depleted. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to perform cartridge replacement operations during dispensing, reducing operational costs by allowing a single adapter unit to serve through multiple cartridges while maintaining the simplicity of the original device.
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 an unlimited number of servings without cartridge replacement, reducing operational costs and minimizing interruptions, while maintaining a lower and safer pressure delivery of compressed gas.
Implementation Method 1
The compressed gas delivery adapter facilitates the delivery of compressed gas from an external gas supply
Data Source
AI summary
A compressed gas delivery adapter for use with a conventional self contained gas-powered beverage dispensing device is operative to couple the beverage dispensing device to an external source of compressed gas. The compressed gas delivery adapter is structured at one end to attach to a conventional self contained gas-powered beverage dispensing device, while mating with and sealing against an annular seal of the beverage dispensing device which typically engages an annular tip of a standard cylindrical 6.5 gram cartridge of compressed gas. At the other end, the compressed gas delivery adapter is configured to receive a hose that is connected to a larger, external compressed gas supply. In this regard, the compressed gas delivery adapter facilitates the delivery of compressed gas from an external gas supply, which may be of any size, to the conventional self contained gas-powered beverage dispensing device.