Automated Carbonation Head with Pressure Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing domestic carbonation devices require two hands to couple bottles, lead to CO2 loss after carbonation, lack reliable control over carbonation levels, and pose safety risks due to manual adjustments and glass bottle pressure issues.
Innovation Solution
A domestic carbonation device with a carbonation head, pressure transducer, and processor module that automates the carbonation process, allowing single-touch operation, precise control, and safety features like a motorized door lock to prevent user access during carbonation, using a refillable bottle fill cap with an internal piston and solenoid venting valve to manage CO2 pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded or bayonet coupling assembly is used between the bottle and carbonation head, then the bottle can be securely coupled to the device, but two hands are required to perform the coupling procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical coupling system (threaded or bayonet assemblies requiring two hands) with an automated mechanical system. The carbonation head includes an automated coupling mechanism that automatically engages with the bottle opening, eliminating the need for manual threading or bayonet coupling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The carbonation head performs self-coupling to the bottle through an automated mechanism. The system self-adjusts and self-secures the connection between the carbonation head and bottle without requiring user manipulation of threads or bayonet lugs, making the process hands-free while maintaining secure coupling.
2Reliability
If the bottle lid is affixed after the carbonation process is complete, then the bottle can be sealed, but CO2 is released and the carbonated liquid begins to go flat
Solution Approach 1:
The carbonation head maintains the bottle opening sealed throughout the entire carbonation process using an integrated seal mechanism. The seal is already in place before carbonation begins, preventing CO2 escape during the pressurization phase, and remains in place until after carbonation is complete, allowing immediate sealing without CO2 loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manually adjustable carbonation mechanisms are provided, then users can control carbonation levels, but the mechanisms are unreliable and results are not repeatable
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a pressure transducer that continuously monitors the pressure inside the bottle during carbonation. This feedback signal is sent to a processor module that automatically adjusts the carbonation process to achieve the desired carbonation level, ensuring repeatable and reliable results. The automated control system eliminates the unreliability of manual adjustment mechanisms.
4Reliability
If glass bottles are used under pressure for carbonation, then the bottles can contain the carbonated liquid, but the bottles can fracture or rupture due to pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification before carbonation by using a pressure transducer to check the initial pressure and volume conditions of the bottle. The processor module uses this information to determine safe operating parameters and prevent over-pressurization, thereby preventing glass bottle fracture before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure transducer continuously monitors bottle pressure during the carbonation process, providing real-time feedback to the processor module. This feedback control system automatically adjusts the carbonation process to maintain pressure within safe limits, preventing glass bottle rupture while still achieving effective carbonation.
5Adaptability or versatility
If the CO2 cylinder needs to be replaced in prior art devices, then the gas supply can be replenished, but the cylinder must be inverted or lifted to the height of the CO2 valving assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The CO2 valving and coupling assembly is positioned at a convenient, accessible height within the device structure. This ergonomic positioning allows users to replace the CO2 cylinder without needing to invert the device or lift the cylinder to an awkward height, making the replenishment process simple and easy to perform.
Data Source
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AI summary
A domestic carbonation appliance has a replaceable CO2 cylinder and accepts a refillable bottle with a removeable cap. The cap can cooperate with a carbonation head of a domestic carbonation device but lacks bayonette or thread features for engaging the carbonation head. The device provides for "one-touch" carbonation.