Reusable Bottle with Refillable CO2 Tank Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reusable bottles for carbonated beverages often rely on single-use CO2 cartridges, which are not eco-friendly, user-unfriendly, and costly, lacking a practical solution for refilling the carbonation system.
Innovation Solution
A reusable bottle with a closable liquid container and a refillable CO2 tank adapter that allows for interchangeable and refillable CO2 supply, featuring a gas flow regulation valve and pressure reducer for controlled carbonation, and a non-return valve for safe refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-use CO2 cartridges are used for carbonation, then the carbonation function is simple and reliable, but the device becomes costly and environmentally unfriendly with no refilling option
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a refilling system that allows recovery and reuse of CO2 gas. The adapter includes a refill opening that enables CO2 to be transferred from an external source into the internal gas tank, eliminating the need to discard used cartridges and reducing ongoing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the CO2 storage function from the bottle by using an external refillable gas tank connected via an adapter. This extraction allows the CO2 supply system to be independently refilled and maintained, improving both economy and environmental sustainability while maintaining reliable carbonation.
2Loss of substance
If a refillable gas tank system is implemented, then cost and ecology improve, but the device complexity increases due to additional components needed for refilling and pressure control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the adapter component: it serves as the connection interface between bottle and gas tank, houses the refill opening, and integrates the pressure reduction mechanism. This merging reduces overall system complexity despite adding refilling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the external CO2 source and the bottle interior. It includes a pressure reduction valve that automatically regulates pressure during refilling and carbonation, simplifying the control mechanism while enabling safe refilling operations.
3Ease of operation
If pressure reduction is implemented for safe carbonation, then safety and usability improve, but the device complexity increases due to additional pressure control components
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure reduction valve in the adapter serves as an automatic intermediary that mediates between high-pressure CO2 from the tank and the bottle's required pressure. It automatically regulates flow and pressure without user intervention, improving ease of operation while keeping the control mechanism simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure reduction system operates automatically based on the pressure differential between the gas tank and bottle. The valve self-regulates the CO2 flow rate and pressure during both refilling and carbonation processes, eliminating the need for manual pressure control mechanisms.
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 provides a more ecological, cost-effective, and user-friendly method for carbonating beverages on-the-go, reducing costs per liter and enhancing the usability and healthiness of carbonated water by allowing refillable CO2 tanks, enabling the bottle to be used for various activities like commuting and hiking.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure reducer arranged downstream of the gas flow regulation valve
Implementation Method 2
a non-return valve corresponding with the CO2 tank for refilling the gas tank
Data Source
AI summary
A bottle, in particular a reusable and refillable bottle for CO2-containing drinks, which can be carbonated and stored in the bottle. A bottle with better usage properties is to be achieved. The bottle includes a closable liquid container with an adapter which is attached or flanged to the base of the liquid container and which contains a CO2 tank.