Beverage Dispenser Venturi Injector Gas Infusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beverage dispensers, such as kegerators and counter-top systems, face drawbacks including large size, high cost, cumbersome nitrogen gas usage, and inefficiencies in cooling and gas infusion, leading to inconsistent and less desirable beverage quality.
Innovation Solution
A beverage dispenser system that incorporates a processing line with a Venturi injector to selectively and adjustably inject gas bubbles into the beverage, enhancing parameters like texture, taste, and temperature, without requiring pressurized nitrogen tanks or bulky compressors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a kegerator system with pressurized nitrogen tanks is used, then the beverage can be dispensed with good quality and cold temperature, but the device becomes large, bulky, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the pressurized nitrogen tank and kegerator components from the system. Instead of using a traditional kegerator with large storage vessels, the invention uses a compact beverage container that can be easily replaced, removing the need for bulky nitrogen storage infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a pneumatic system using a pump and air compressor to deliver gas to the beverage container. The pump creates pressure differential to push beverage through the dispensing mechanism, while the air compressor provides nitrogen gas on demand, eliminating the need for large pressurized tanks.
2Volume of stationary object
If a counter-top dispenser with air compressor is used, then the device size is reduced, but the beverage cooling efficiency decreases and nitrogen dissipates faster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary cooling of the beverage container and beverage before dispensing. The container is pre-chilled, and the beverage is cooled prior to being pumped through the system, ensuring the beverage remains cold throughout the dispensing process without requiring continuous active cooling during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous cooling through thermal conduction from the pre-chilled container walls and beverage mass. The cooling action continues throughout the dispensing process through the container walls and beverage flow, ensuring consistent temperature without intermittent cooling cycles.
3Reliability
If nitrogen gas is used in conventional systems, then the beverage achieves desired texture and taste, but the system becomes cumbersome and costly with frequent recalibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating pneumatic system where the pump automatically adjusts gas flow based on the beverage container's pressure state. The system self-regulates nitrogen delivery without requiring manual recalibration, as the pump responds automatically to pressure differentials and beverage consumption rates.
4Productivity
If a pump system is used to deliver beverage, then the dispensing speed and consistency are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional pump system that simultaneously performs multiple functions: delivering beverage through the dispensing mechanism, regulating pressure differentials, controlling gas flow rates, and maintaining beverage temperature. This single pump unit replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components in a kegerator system.
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 effectively chills and nitrogenates beverages, replicating the velvety feel and enhanced taste of Guinness-style drinks, while minimizing space and cost requirements, and providing a consistent and high-quality dispensing experience.
Implementation Method 1
a Venturi injector being provided along a fluid segment of the fluid path of the processing line, the Venturi injector being configured for selectively and adjustably injecting gas bubbles into the consumable beverage
Implementation Method 2
a refrigerating assembly operatively connectable to the processing line for refrigerating the consumable beverage by exchanging heat with the consumable beverage through a thermal block
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage dispenser is for dispensing a consumable beverage. A processing line having a fluid path with an input end is fluidly connectable to a source container of liquid for receiving liquid from the container via a driving force, and for processing the liquid into the consumable beverage to be dispensed. A Venturi injector is provided along a fluid segment of the fluid path of the processing line, the Venturi injector being configured for selectively and adjustably injecting gas bubbles into the consumable beverage to alter at least one resulting parameter of the consumable beverage to be dispensed. The beverage dispenser also includes a tap fluidly connectable to an output end of the fluid path of the processing line for receiving the consumable beverage with at least one resulting parameter having been altered, and for selectively dispensing the consumable beverage via an activation of the tap.