Beverage Foaming Chamber Flow Control for Fast Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage foaming apparatuses are limited by their design, which restricts dispensing flow rates, leading to significant waiting times in large-scale consumption environments, and fail to maintain foam quality at increased flow rates.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a dosing unit with a constriction and a movable plug in the fluid communication between the foaming chamber and outlet, allowing adjustable flow rates and enabling the foaming means to function as both a foaming and dosing unit, with the option to deactivate foaming for non-foamed beverages, ensuring optimal hygiene by closing off the fluid communication from the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the foaming chamber is designed for foaming and dispensing a measured quantity of beverage tailored to one mug or cup, then the foam quality is maintained, but the dispensing flow rate is limited leading to considerable waiting times in large-scale consumption environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable plug in the dosing unit that can dynamically adjust the flow rate through the foaming chamber. The plug moves between positions to vary the degree of closure of the fluid communication, enabling the system to adapt between low flow rates for high-quality foam and high flow rates for rapid dispensing of large quantities
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow rate parameter by moving the plug to different positions, which alters the constriction degree in the fluid communication. This parameter adjustment allows the same foaming chamber to operate effectively across different dispensing requirements, from single cups to large jugs
2Productivity
If the outgoing flow rate is increased to reduce waiting times, then the productivity is improved, but the quantity and quality of foam formed in the beverage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable plug creates a dynamic system where the flow rate can be adjusted in real-time. When high foam quality is needed, the plug positions to create greater constriction and slower flow. When rapid dispensing is prioritized, the plug moves to reduce constriction and increase flow rate
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing unit with its movable plug segments the flow control function, allowing independent adjustment of flow rate from the foaming quality parameter. This segmentation enables the system to optimize for either speed or foam quality depending on the specific dispensing requirement
3Productivity
If the dosing unit is provided with a constriction and movable plug to accurately regulate flow rate, then the productivity and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing unit with movable plug serves multiple functions: it controls flow rate, regulates foam quality, and enables adaptation to different serving sizes. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating several control functions into a single integrated mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The movable plug acts as an intermediary element between the foaming chamber and the outlet, mediating the flow of beverage. This intermediary component provides precise control over the fluid communication without requiring complex valve mechanisms or multiple moving parts
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 adjustable flow rates and foam quality, reducing waiting times while maintaining foam quality even at higher dispensing rates, and ensures hygiene by isolating the fluid communication, making the apparatus suitable for both small and large beverage dispensing with fine-bubble foam formation.
Implementation Method 1
when the foaming means are activated and air is whipped into the beverage in the foaming chamber
Implementation Method 2
the dosing unit is provided with a constriction in a fluid communication between the foaming chamber and the outlet and a plug which can be moved to and fro in a direction of movement of the plug within at least a part of the fluid communication
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for preparing and dispensing a beverage such as coffee, tea, milk, chocolate milk, soup or the like, which beverage, if desired, may be at least partly foamed. To that end, the apparatus comprises a foaming chamber (3), provided with an inlet opening (4) for supply of beverage prepared upstream, an outlet opening (6) for dispensing the beverage, and foaming means (8) for foaming beverage fed through the foaming chamber, and dosing means (15) for regulating a beverage flow rate flowing from the foaming chamber (3). The foaming means (8) and outlet opening (6) are preferably displaceable relative to each other, so that the foaming means can close off or clear this opening at least partly and can thus function as dosing means (15). The foaming means (8) can for comprise, for instance, a drive shaft (9, 20) with paddles (10).