Capsule Discharging Element for Beverage Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage containers do not allow for easy change in flavor or nutritional content during consumption, and the use of solid effervescent tablets can lead to incomplete dissolution and dosage issues.
Innovation Solution
A capsule-based discharging element with liquid-tight casing and strategically arranged openings to utilize dynamic pressure for mixing substances with the beverage flow, eliminating the need for solid dissolution and allowing for easy flavor or nutrient adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If solid effervescent tablets are used to change flavor or nutritional content, then the beverage can be modified during consumption, but incomplete dissolution and dosage issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the substance from solid (tablets) to liquid (pre-dissolved in capsule), eliminating dissolution issues. The liquid substance is contained in a capsule with openings that control the flow rate and dosage precision through fluid dynamics parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule acts as an intermediary device between the beverage container and the user. It contains the liquid substance and uses the flowing beverage as a carrier to transport and dispense the substance at controlled rates, ensuring complete mixing and accurate dosing
2Reliability
If liquid flows through the capsule to convey substances, then complete dissolution and mixing are achieved, but the capsule requires mechanical pressurization or hot water
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule design allows the flowing beverage itself to perform the dissolution and mixing functions. The liquid substance in the capsule is automatically dispersed and mixed by the natural flow of the beverage through the capsule openings, eliminating the need for external pressurization or heating systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical pressurization systems with a passive fluid dynamics approach. The capsule uses the natural kinetic energy of the flowing beverage to drive substance discharge and mixing, substituting complex mechanical systems with a simpler passive design
3Productivity
If the capsule has openings for liquid flow, then substances can be discharged into the beverage, but controlling the discharge rate and duration is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention controls discharge rate and duration by optimizing physical parameters of the capsule design, including opening size, number of openings, and liquid viscosity. These parameters are selected to naturally regulate the flow rate and discharge duration without requiring active control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule design incorporates feedback through the relationship between discharge rate and remaining liquid volume. As the liquid level decreases, the discharge rate naturally adjusts, providing self-regulating control over the total dosage and duration without requiring external control systems
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
Enables continuous and controlled dosing of substances into the beverage, avoiding excessive concentrations and ensuring optimal mixing, as the flow velocity and opening design manage the discharge rate and duration.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one first opening and the at least one second opening are arranged in such a way that, when liquid flows around the capsule, a greater flow velocity is present at a first opening than at a second opening, and that the liquid draws a liquid substance out of the capsule by utilizing the dynamic pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A discharging element for discharging substances into a liquid is disclosed, wherein the discharging element is in the form of a capsule, wherein the capsule casing (1-3) encloses a fillable volume for substances to be discharged, the capsule casing is made of a liquid-tight material and has at least one first opening (7) and at least one second opening (8) which are arranged in such a way that, when liquid flows around the capsule, a greater flow velocity is present at a first opening (7) than at a second opening (8), wherein the first and second opening are connected to one another via the fillable volume, and wherein either the first opening (7) and the second opening (8) are located on one outer surface, or wherein the surface normal of the capsule casing (1-3) at the location of the first opening (7) encloses an angle with the surface normal of the capsule casing at the location of the second opening (8).