Cartridge housing for a beverage or food cartridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cartridge receptacles for producing beverages and foodstuffs face challenges in achieving effective mixing between beverage/foodstuff substrates and solvents, particularly water, with inadequate control over flow rates and hygiene concerns.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge receptacle design featuring a mixing chamber with a variable flow cross-section that expands then constricts to control solvent flow, incorporating a protuberance for outflow, a fastening/securing ring with a breaking point, and a piercing mechanism with a spike guide and compressed-air integration for efficient substrate dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the flow cross section is continuously reduced to increase flow velocity, then the solvent flow rate increases, but the mixing time between solvent and substrate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing chamber is divided into distinct zones: an expansion zone for initial mixing, a mixing zone with turbulent flow promoters, and a constriction zone for final acceleration. This segmentation allows different flow conditions to exist in different spatial regions, enabling both thorough mixing and high outlet velocity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow cross-section is designed to dynamically change along the flow path - expanding initially to reduce velocity and promote mixing, then constricting towards the outlet to increase velocity. This dynamic geometric variation optimizes both mixing efficiency and flow rate at different stages of the process.
2Reliability
If the flow cross section is expanded to slow down solvent flow and improve mixing, then mixing efficiency improves, but the overall productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the mixing chamber have different geometric properties optimized for different functions: the expansion zone provides gentle mixing, the intermediate zone introduces turbulence for thorough blending, and the constriction zone accelerates flow for high productivity. Each local region contributes differently to the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable cross-section design creates dynamic flow conditions that transition from low-velocity mixing to high-velocity discharge, allowing the system to achieve both good mixing efficiency and high productivity within a single integrated structure.
3Reliability
If a complex piercing mechanism with multiple components is used to ensure hygiene and controlled substrate dispensing, then hygiene and dispensing control improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piercing mechanism integrates multiple functions into a single integrated component: the piercing element simultaneously pierces the cartridge seal, the compressed air system provides both propulsion and sealing, and the valve mechanism controls both substrate flow and air flow. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining functional reliability.
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 design enhances mixing efficiency, ensures good hygiene by controlling flow rates and substrate dispensing, and allows for single-use operation, improving the production of beverages and foodstuffs.
Implementation Method 1
a compressed-air line (34) is integrated into the piercing means (16)
Implementation Method 2
the flow cross section, i.e. the cross section which is available for the liquid to flow, in particular for the solvent flow and/or the mixture of solvent and substrate, is now provided such that, with regard to the direction of flow of the solvent, the flow rate is first of all slowed down and then accelerated again
Implementation Method 3
a mixing chamber (13) in which the diluent and a beverage substrate and/or foodstuff substrate are mixed
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cartridge housing comprising a diluting means, especially a water supply, a mixing chamber in which the diluting means and a beverage and/or food substrate are mixed, and an outlet. The cartridge housing is fitted with a hollow rod such that the sealing film of the cartridge is pierced as soon as the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge housing, thereby creating the flow connection between the cartridge and a mixing chamber.