Beverage Flow Components Using Hydrophobic Polymer Blends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for preparing aqueous beverages, such as instant beverage-preparing devices and those using cartridges with beverage ingredients, face issues with water and/or moisture deposition on parts, leading to frequent cleaning needs and potential flavor contamination between different beverages.
Innovation Solution
The use of a polymer mixture comprising a self-lubricating, hydrophobic polymer or copolymer with low moisture absorption and a homopolymer or copolymer of fluorinated ethylene for the outflow nozzle, preparation chamber, and ingredient-dispensing system, which reduces deposition and improves hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional materials are used for the outflow nozzle and preparation chamber, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but water and moisture deposits form on the parts requiring frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) with other polymers such as polypropylene or polyoxymethylene. This composite approach leverages the hydrophobic and low-surface-energy properties of PTFE to prevent water and moisture deposition, while the other polymers provide structural integrity and ease of manufacturing. The composite material thus resolves the contradiction by achieving both ease of manufacture and reduced cleaning frequency through the synergistic properties of the material combination.
2Device complexity
If conventional materials are used for the ingredient-dispensing system, then the device is simple in construction, but flavor contamination occurs between different beverages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials comprising PTFE and other polymers for the ingredient-dispensing system components. The PTFE layer provides a non-stick, hydrophobic surface that prevents beverage ingredients and residues from adhering to the surfaces. This property effectively prevents flavor contamination between different beverages while maintaining relatively simple device construction, as the composite material can be molded directly into the required components without complex additional coatings or treatments.
3Reliability
If hydrophilic materials are used for the outflow path, then water flows easily through the system, but moisture absorption leads to deposits and hygiene issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials with PTFE as a key component for the outflow path. PTFE's hydrophobic nature creates a water-repellent surface that prevents moisture absorption from the air, thereby eliminating the source of deposits and hygiene issues. At the same time, the smooth, low-friction surface of PTFE ensures that water and beverage liquids flow easily through the system with minimal resistance. The composite structure maintains fluid flow reliability while preventing moisture absorption through the inherent properties of the PTFE-containing material.
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 effectively prevents deposits on parts, reducing the frequency of cleaning and minimizing flavor contamination, thereby enhancing the hygienic conditions and usability of the devices for preparing different beverages.
Implementation Method 1
a self-lubricating, hydrophobic polymer or copolymer having a moisture absorption, determined in accordance with ASTM D 570 at a relative humidity of 50% and a temperature of 23°C, of less than 1%
Implementation Method 2
a homopolymer or a copolymer of a fluorinated ethylene
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a preparing device (1) for preparing an aqueous beverage by means of a beverage ingredient. The preparing device (1) comprises: an outflow nozzle (33) for dispensing prepared beverage; a preparation chamber (13, 16, 14 ) f or at least partially preparing the beverage; a supply (12) line ending in the preparation chamber for the supply of water to the preparation chamber; an ingredient-dispensing system (7) for delivering the beverage ingredient to the preparation chamber; and an outflow path (36, 33) which extends from the preparation chamber to the outflow nozzle. The outflow nozzle (33) and/or the preparation chamber (13, 16, 14) and/or the outflow path (33, 36) are entirely or partly made from a polymer mixture which comprises (a) a self-lubricating, hydrophobic polymer or copolymer having a moisture absorption, determined in accordance with ASTM D 570 at a relative humidity of 50% and a temperature of 23°C, of less than 1% and (b) a homopolymer or a copolymer of a f luorinated ethylene.