Carbonation Control Using Gas Cylinder Weight Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbonation systems require complex sensors or multiple components to achieve a pre-settable degree of carbonation, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A carbonation apparatus with a weight determining device, such as a force sensor, to measure the gas cylinder weight, coupled with a control device to adjust the valve opening time based on cylinder weight and user input, simplifying the process and reducing sensor usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple sensors or complex measuring devices are used to achieve pre-settable carbonation, then carbonation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary sensors and measuring devices from the carbonation system. Instead of using multiple sensors to detect gas cylinder parameters, the invention only uses a weight determination device to measure the gas cylinder weight, which directly indicates the remaining gas amount. This extraction of essential measurement parameters resolves the contradiction by maintaining carbonation precision while significantly reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary determination of the gas cylinder weight before the carbonation process begins. The control device calculates the remaining gas amount based on the measured weight and stored reference data, allowing the system to pre-adjust the valve opening time and degree. This preliminary action ensures precise carbonation control is achieved through simple weight measurement rather than complex real-time sensing during the carbonation process.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated carbonation control with multiple sensors is implemented, then carbonation consistency is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carbonation apparatus performs self-service by automatically determining the gas cylinder weight and calculating the appropriate valve opening parameters without requiring user intervention or interpretation. The control device autonomously adjusts the carbonation process based on the weight measurement, maintaining consistent carbonation results while simplifying operation to merely placing the gas cylinder on the scale.
3Measurement precision
If weight determination device is added to monitor gas cylinder, then carbonation control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weight determination device serves multiple functions within the carbonation system: it measures the gas cylinder weight, determines the remaining gas amount, and provides the basis for calculating valve opening parameters. This single multi-functional device replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized sensors, thereby improving measurement precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 precise control of carbonation levels with fewer sensors, ensuring consistent carbonation regardless of gas cylinder fill level, and providing automated reordering and notification for gas refills.
Implementation Method 1
a weight determining device for determining a weight of a gas cylinder which is received in the fixture and is connected to the gas connector
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a carbonation apparatus (10), in particular for the introduction of carbon dioxide to liquid, having a gas outlet which is configured to be introduced into a container (7) which can be filled with liquid, a gas connector which is fluidically connected to the gas outlet via a controllable valve (4), a control device (5) which is configured to control the valve (4), comprising, furthermore: a fixture (1) with a weight determining device for determining a weight of a gas cylinder (3) which is received in the fixture (1) and is connected to the gas connector.