Beverage Dispensing Nozzle Laminar Flow Diffuser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Post-mix beverage dispensing nozzles face issues with flavor carryover and the production of aerated or turbulent flow patterns, leading to inconsistent and aesthetically unpleasing beverage dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A multi-flavor beverage dispensing nozzle is designed with a nozzle head that includes separate inlets for base liquids and flavorings, a diffuser assembly with annular diffuser plates, and a receptacle that ensures a smooth, laminar flow pattern by directing the base liquid along the inner wall of the receptacle and intersecting the flavoring flow in a longitudinal direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If post-mix nozzles dispense base liquid and flavoring separately to allow variety of beverages, then versatility is improved, but turbulent flow pattern and aerated discharge are produced leading to inconsistent dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into separate functional zones: a receptacle for receiving base liquid and flavoring, a diffuser assembly with multiple diffuser plates containing openings, and a discharge outlet. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of each zone to achieve laminar flow while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser assembly acts as an intermediary between the receptacle and discharge outlet. It includes multiple diffuser plates with openings that gradually diffuse the liquid stream, transforming turbulent mixed flow into a smooth laminar flow pattern before discharge
2Object-generated harmful factors
If base liquid and flavoring are dispensed separately and mixed at point of dispense, then flavor carryover is reduced, but mixing efficiency and flow uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Base liquid and flavoring are received and preliminarily mixed within the receptacle before entering the diffuser assembly. This preliminary mixing action ensures thorough combination while maintaining separate inlet paths, preventing flavor carryover to subsequent beverages
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser assembly utilizes hydraulic principles with multiple diffuser plates and strategically positioned openings to control liquid flow dynamics. The progressive diffusion through multiple plates creates uniform laminar flow while maintaining consistent mixing ratios
3Quantity of substance
If conventional nozzles produce aerated or turbulent flow patterns, then mixing of base liquid and flavoring is enhanced, but aesthetic appearance and dispensing consistency are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser assembly employs multiple diffuser plates with periodically arranged openings along the flow path. This periodic structure progressively refines the liquid stream, maintaining mixing efficiency while eliminating turbulence and creating a visually appealing laminar flow pattern
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 nozzle effectively reduces flavor carryover and achieves a smooth, laminar flow pattern, resulting in a consistent and aesthetically pleasing beverage dispensing experience.
Implementation Method 1
The peripheral openings of the diffuser assembly are arranged so as to direct a flow of the base liquid along the inner wall of the receptacle
Implementation Method 2
the flavoring inlet directs a flow of the flavoring through the receptacle in a longitudinal direction of the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle for dispensing a beverage includes a nozzle head having a base liquid inlet configured to receive a base liquid and a flavoring inlet configured to receive a flavoring. The nozzle further includes a diffuser assembly that is in fluid communication with the base liquid inlet and which includes a diffuser plate having a plurality of peripheral openings through which the base liquid flows. The nozzle further includes a receptacle that is in fluid communication with the diffuser assembly and the flavoring inlet. The receptacle of the nozzle includes an inner wall, and the peripheral openings of the diffuser assembly are arranged so as to direct flow of the base liquid along the inner wall of the receptacle. The receptacle further includes an outlet through which the flavoring and the base liquid are dispensed.