Beverage Nozzle and Chamber Polymer Mix to Prevent Deposits
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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 ingredient deposits on parts, leading to frequent cleaning needs and potential flavor contamination.
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 deposits and improves hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional materials are used for the outflow nozzle and preparation chamber, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but water and ingredient 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 non-stick properties of PTFE while maintaining structural integrity and ease of manufacturing through injection molding. The composite material prevents deposits on the outflow nozzle and preparation chamber, reducing cleaning frequency while remaining manufacturable.
2Ease of operation
If the outflow nozzle is directed downwards to facilitate beverage dispensing, then the ease of operation is improved, but water deposits on the outflow nozzle creating hygiene issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the outflow nozzle from conventional materials to PTFE-based composite materials. This material parameter change fundamentally alters the surface properties to be non-stick and hydrophobic, preventing water and ingredient deposits while maintaining the downward orientation for convenient beverage dispensing.
3Reliability
If the preparation chamber is made from a material that prevents deposits, then the cleaning frequency is reduced, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of PTFE combined with structurally sound polymers like polypropylene or polyoxymethylene. This composite approach provides deposit-preventing properties while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through injection molding processes, avoiding the need for complex multi-component assemblies or specialized manufacturing techniques.
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 self-lubricating, hydrophobic polymer or copolymer
Data Source
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) for 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 fluorinated ethylene.