Self-Regulating Pressure Device for Beverage Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing systems face issues with self-regulating pressure that is not temperature-dependent, leading to over or under saturation of gas in the beverage at different temperatures, and require activation before use, which can result in malfunctions and recyclability concerns due to metal and plastic components.
Innovation Solution
A beverage dispensing system with a pressure regulating device that includes a gas container and a pressure regulator with a movable wall part, allowing slow gas flow between the regulator chamber and the beverage compartment to maintain equilibrium pressure, adapting to temperature changes and eliminating the need for activation before use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a predetermined regulating pressure is set in the pressure regulator, then the pressure can be maintained at equilibrium at a specific temperature, but the beverage becomes over or under saturated at other temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static predetermined pressure regulation into a dynamic system where the regulating pressure automatically adapts to temperature changes. The movable wall part responds to pressure differences caused by temperature variations, dynamically adjusting the gas flow to maintain proper carbonation levels across different temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the regulating pressure parameter based on temperature conditions. As temperature varies, the pressure equilibrium point shifts, and the movable wall mechanism automatically adjusts the regulating pressure to match the new temperature-dependent equilibrium, preventing over or under saturation.
2Ease of operation
If the pressure regulator is activated before use, then gas flow can be controlled, but the system becomes prone to malfunctions and requires activation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator is designed to activate automatically based on pressure differences without requiring manual intervention. The movable wall part self-activates when pressure conditions change, eliminating the need for separate activation steps and reducing the risk of user-induced malfunctions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic feedback through the movable wall mechanism that responds to pressure changes in the beverage compartment. This closed-loop feedback ensures the regulator activates and deactivates appropriately based on actual pressure conditions, improving reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If CO2 gas can enter the regulating chamber through wall permeation, then partial pressure equilibrium is achieved, but the internal pressure increases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful accumulation effect by providing a controlled exit path for CO2 gas from the regulating chamber. The small opening allows excess gas that has permeated through the wall to escape, preventing continuous pressure buildup while maintaining necessary equilibrium.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes controlled porosity through the small opening in the movable wall, allowing selective gas passage. This porous-like structure permits CO2 to pass through at a controlled rate, balancing the need for equilibrium with the need to prevent excessive pressure accumulation.
4Reliability
If a small opening is provided for slow gas flow, then pressure equilibrium is maintained, but manufacturing precision is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the natural physical properties of the materials and the self-regulating behavior of the movable wall to compensate for manufacturing tolerances. The automatic activation and pressure-responsive design reduce sensitivity to precise opening dimensions, making the system more tolerant of normal manufacturing variations.
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 system maintains the desired gas saturation level in the beverage across varying temperatures without manual activation, reducing the risk of malfunctions and improving recyclability by using a self-regulating pressure that adjusts to temperature changes, ensuring consistent carbonation.
Implementation Method 1
Gas can pass through the wall into the chamber for equalizing the partial pressure of CO2 gas on either side of the wall
Implementation Method 2
The pressure regulator is operative for opening the closure for allowing gas to enter into the beverage compartment from the gas container when the pressure drops in the beverage compartment
Data Source
AI summary
Beverage dispensing system, beverage container and pressurizing system for use in a beverage dispensing system or container. Beverage dispensing system 1 comprising a beverage container 2 with a beverage compartment 3 and a pressurizing system 10, wherein the pressurizing system 10 comprises a gas container 11 comprising pressurized gas, a closure 13 closing the gas container 11 and a pressure regulator 12 operative for opening the closure 13 for allowing gas to enter into the beverage compartment 3 from the gas container 11, wherein the pressure regulator 12 comprises a regulating chamber 15 having at least a wall part 17 movable and/or deformable based on pressure in the beverage compartment 3, wherein at least one opening 24 is provided through a wall 18 of the regulating chamber 15 providing for at least part of a gas passage between the regulating chamber 15 and the beverage compartment 3.