Sparkling Drink Carbonation Capsule Using Heated CO2 Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing sparkling drinks are inefficient due to the high cost and handling complexities of pressurized CO2 tanks, and chemical reaction-based systems are cumbersome and impractical, often resulting in taste degradation and limited shelf life.
Innovation Solution
A device with a pressure-sealed chamber filled with a CO2 carrier material, such as sodium bicarbonate, that releases CO2 when heated, combined with a method using a capsule containing additives and a heat energy unit to control gas release, allowing for efficient carbonation of liquids without the need for pressurized tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressurized CO2 tanks are used to carbonate liquids, then carbonation can be achieved, but the cost increases and handling becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, heavy, and complex pressurized CO2 tanks with disposable cartridges containing dry ice pellets. These cartridges are inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to replace, eliminating the need for refilling service visits while maintaining effective carbonation through controlled sublimation of dry ice in contact with the liquid.
2Quantity of substance
If chemical reaction between sodium bicarbonate and citric acid is used to generate CO2, then CO2 can be produced, but the taste degrades due to salt formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and form of the CO2 source from chemical reaction products to physical sublimation of dry ice. By using solid CO2 (dry ice) that sublimates directly to gas, the system generates CO2 without producing any chemical byproducts or salts, thereby preserving the natural taste of the beverage.
3Quantity of substance
If pressurized CO2 tanks are transported, then CO2 supply is available, but transportation becomes complicated due to weight and pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy pressurized CO2 tanks with lightweight disposable cartridges containing dry ice pellets. These cartridges weigh significantly less, are easier to transport, and can be disposed of after use, eliminating the burden of returning empty tanks for refilling while maintaining adequate CO2 supply for carbonation.
4Reliability
If complex mechanical valves and containers within containers are used to control gas release, then gas pressure can be maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-regulating system where dry ice pellets naturally sublime at a controlled rate based on ambient temperature and liquid contact, automatically maintaining appropriate gas pressure without requiring complex mechanical valves, sensors, or active control mechanisms. The system uses the inherent properties of dry ice sublimation to self-regulate CO2 release.
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
This solution provides a cost-effective and user-friendly method for producing sparkling drinks with high carbonation levels, reducing handling burdens and taste interference, while extending the shelf life of carbonation cartridges.
Implementation Method 1
A device with a pressure-sealed chamber filled with a CO2 carrier material, such as sodium bicarbonate, that releases CO2 when heated
Implementation Method 2
A device with a pressure-sealed chamber filled with a CO2 carrier material
Implementation Method 3
When pressure of the sparkling drink is low, bubbles of carbon dioxide may be formed and come out of the solution
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for the production and provision of CO2 gas are disclosed. A sealable chamber is equipped with heating means and when a CO2 carrier material, such as sodium bicarbonate is placed in it and heated to its decomposition temperature CO2 gas is released. The released gas is conveyed into liquid within a container and when the pressure of the gas in the container raises more and more CO2 gas is dissolved. The heating may be done by conduction mechanism, a microwave heating mechanism or by induction mechanism. The sodium bicarbonate or any other material including carbon dioxide may be disposed in powder, solid, suspension, emulsion, solution or wet powder form. It may be disposed in thin envelope case.