Beverage Maker Gas Recovery System to Shorten Fermentation Period

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage makers require a separate gas filling apparatus and discharge gas generated during fermentation, which prolongs the beverage making process and lacks user convenience.

Innovation Solution

A beverage maker with a fermentation module, a gas discharge channel, a storage tank, and a controller that collects fermentation gas and reuses it, eliminating the need for a separate gas filling apparatus and optimizing the fermentation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If gas generated during fermentation is discharged using a separate gas filling apparatus, then the fermentation process can be completed, but the beverage making period is prolonged and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage making periodVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gas discharge function is merged with the fermentation module by integrating a gas discharge channel and gas discharge valve directly into the fermentation chamber. This eliminates the need for a separate gas filling apparatus, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to control gas discharge during fermentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses itself to discharge the gas it generates during fermentation. The gas discharge channel and valve are integrated components that allow the fermentation module to autonomously manage its own gas byproducts without requiring external equipment, thereby shortening the beverage making period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If gas is discharged during fermentation, then fermentation can proceed, but user convenience is reduced due to need for separate gas filling apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gas discharge functionality is combined with the fermentation module through integrated components (gas discharge channel, gas discharge valve). This eliminates the need for users to operate separate gas filling apparatus, improving ease of operation while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fermentation module autonomously manages gas discharge through its own integrated gas discharge channel and valve, controlled by the controller based on pressure sensor feedback. This self-service capability eliminates the need for user intervention with separate equipment, enhancing convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of substance

If fermentation gas is not collected and reused, then the process is simpler, but gas is wasted and beverage making period is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas wasteVSAvoidbeverage making period

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of discarding the gas generated during fermentation, the system recovers it by directing it through the gas discharge channel to the storage tank. The actuator then re-injects this collected gas back into the fermentation module, preventing waste and accelerating the beverage making process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The gas that would normally be considered a waste byproduct or harmful emission is converted into a beneficial resource. The controller detects gas accumulation via pressure sensor, discharges it to the storage tank, and the actuator re-injects it to enhance fermentation, turning a potential problem into a process advantage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 solution shortens the beverage making period by reusing fermentation gas, improving user convenience, and eliminating the need for additional equipment.

Implementation Method 1

a storage tank connected to the gas discharge value and provided with a space capable of accommodating gas therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas accumulation:

Implementation Method 2

an actuator configured to inject gas collected in the space of the storage tank to the fermentation module through the gas discharge channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas injection:

Implementation Method 3

a gas pressure sensor connected before the gas discharge valve in a gas flow direction in the gas discharge channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Data Source

PatentUS12215303B2Beverage maker and control method of the same

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A beverage maker includes a fermentation module, a gas discharge channel connected to the fermentation module, a gas discharge valve connected to the gas discharge channel, a storage tank connected to the gas discharge value and provided with a space capable of accommodating gas therein, an actuator configured to inject gas collected in the space of the storage tank to the fermentation module through the gas discharge channel, a gas pressure sensor connected before the gas discharge valve in a gas flow direction in the gas discharge channel, and a controller configured to control the gas discharge valve and the actuator based on a pressure value of the gas pressure sensor.