Carbonation Valve Control Using CO2 Cylinder Weight Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bubbling devices for creating sparkling water require complex sensor systems and multiple settings to achieve a presettable bubbling level, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A bubbling device with a controllable valve and weight-determining mechanism using a force transducer or scale to adjust gas flow based on the weight of the CO2 gas bottle, allowing for user-adjustable bubbling levels and automatic reordering when the gas is low, with optional RFID or optical identification for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and complex control systems are used to achieve preset carbonation levels, then carbonation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex sensor systems and implements it through a simple weight determination device. By measuring only the weight of the gas cylinder, the system achieves sufficient control for home use without requiring multiple sensors, pressure transducers, or complex flow meters that would increase device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a low-cost weight determination device instead of expensive industrial-grade sensors. This simplified measurement approach is sufficient for the intended application scope (home carbonation), thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adequate measurement precision for consumer needs.
2Reliability
If automated carbonation control with multiple sensors is implemented, then carbonation consistency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core control function from complex multi-sensor systems and implements it through a single weight measurement. This reduction in component count directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining carbonation consistency through the simple feedback loop of measuring gas cylinder weight and adjusting valve operation accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines when the gas cylinder is low based on weight measurement and can trigger reordering, eliminating the need for manual monitoring. This automated self-service feature maintains reliability without requiring expensive manual intervention systems.
3Extent of automation
If weight determination device is added to monitor gas cylinder, then gas flow control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical flow control systems with an automated electronic control based on weight determination. The control device uses the weight measurement to automatically adjust the valve, eliminating the need for manual flow regulation mechanisms and simplifying the overall control system while increasing automation.
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
Simplifies the process of achieving a preset bubbling level using fewer sensors and enables efficient carbonation control, while also providing automatic reordering of CO2, ensuring consistent fizz levels and reducing user intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a weight determination device for determining the weight of a gas cylinder which is received in the receptacle
Implementation Method 2
a gas connection which is in fluid communication with the gas outlet via a controllable valve
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a carbonation device (10), in particular for aerating liquid with carbon dioxide, comprising: a gas outlet which is designed to be inserted into a container (7) which can be filled with liquid, a gas connection which is in fluid communication with the gas outlet via a controllable valve (4), a control device (5) designed to control the valve (4), further comprising: a receptacle (1) with a weight determination device (2) for determining the weight of a gas cylinder (3) which is received in the receptacle (1) and connected to the gas connection.