Carbonated Water Sterilization Device Flow Path Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage supply devices with circulation flow paths for carbonated water face issues with pressure loss and reduced sterilization efficiency due to vortices, turbulence, and bubble formation, which can lead to the release of carbon dioxide gas and impaired sterilization.
Innovation Solution
A beverage supply device with a circulation flow path and a carbonated water sterilization device that includes a main tube portion with inlet and outlet ports aligned to minimize flow direction changes, a light source portion for ultraviolet irradiation, and a cap portion to separate the light source and main tube, reducing pressure loss and bubble formation while maintaining effective sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flow-water sterilization module with right angle flow path is used, then sterilization function is provided, but pressure loss occurs and carbon dioxide gas is released from carbonated water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional right-angle flow path configuration by implementing a substantially straight flow path where the inlet and outlet are positioned on opposite ends of the main tube. This inversion eliminates the sharp direction changes that cause vortices and turbulence, thereby reducing pressure loss and preventing carbon dioxide gas release from carbonated water while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
2Reliability
If light source protrudes toward inlet and outlet portions, then sterilization coverage is improved, but carbonated water collides with light source generating bubbles that block ultraviolet light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light source from the main flow path by positioning it in a separate space adjacent to the main tube, rather than having it protrude into the flow path. This separation eliminates the collision between carbonated water and the light source, preventing bubble formation that would block ultraviolet light, while the light source still effectively irradiates the carbonated water flowing through the main tube.
3Productivity
If circulation flow path is used for carbonated water, then beverage supply function is enhanced, but microorganism growth and slime formation increase requiring frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous sterilization of carbonated water as it circulates through the main tube by positioning the ultraviolet light source to continuously irradiate the flowing carbonated water. This continuous sterilization action prevents microorganism growth and slime formation throughout the circulation process, enabling prolonged operation without frequent maintenance while maintaining beverage supply functionality.
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 effectively suppresses carbon dioxide gas release from carbonated water and maintains high sterilization efficiency by minimizing pressure loss and bubble formation, ensuring smooth flow and adequate ultraviolet light exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a light source portion configured to irradiate the carbonated water flowing through the main tube portion with ultraviolet light
Implementation Method 2
carbonated water is caused to flow from the inlet port for the carbonated water to the outlet port for the carbonated water
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A beverage supply device (1) including a circulation flow path (2) in which carbonated water is circulated, and a carbonated water sterilization device (3, 7, 8) provided in the circulation flow path (2). The carbonated water sterilization device (3, 7, 8) includes: a main tube portion (10, 60, 70) which includes an inlet port (11) for carbonated water provided on one side of both ends which are opposite to each other in an axis direction of the main tube portion (10, 60, 70), and an outlet port (12) for the carbonated water provided on the other side, a light source portion (30) configured to irradiate the carbonated water flowing through the main tube portion (10, 60, 70) with ultraviolet light, and a cap portion (40) which has an ability to transmit ultraviolet light, the cap portion (40) being configured to separate the light source portion (30) and the main tube portion (10, 60, 70).