Compressible Container Liquid Dispenser Sanitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing systems face challenges such as bacterial contamination, difficulty in cleaning and sanitizing, exposure to environmental contamination, and inability to provide precise mixtures of dairy products.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for dispensing liquid beverages using a pressure sealed chamber with a compressible container isolating the liquid from the chamber environment, a gas source providing pressure, and a nozzle that seals the liquid from the external environment, minimizing surface exposure and using a plunger mechanism for controlled dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a diaphragm pump is used to expel beverage, then the beverage can be pumped out, but the ingredient comes in direct contact with internal parts of the pump increasing bacterial contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the beverage dispensing function into separate components: a disposable container with integrated valve and a separate pump mechanism. The beverage never contacts the pump internals, as the disposable container's valve directly controls dispensing while the pump only moves air or water, eliminating cross-contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary disposable container with a built-in valve that acts as a barrier between the beverage and the pump system. This intermediary component allows the pump to control flow without direct contact with the beverage, solving the contamination problem while maintaining pumping functionality.
2Productivity
If a peristaltic pump is used, then the beverage can be dispensed, but the permanent tube must be regularly washed to maintain sanitation
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces permanent, hard-to-clean tubing with disposable containers that have integrated valves. These single-use components are discarded after use, eliminating the need for complex cleaning and sanitizing procedures while ensuring continuous sanitation. The disposable nature guarantees no cross-contamination between different beverage batches.
3Productivity
If compressed gas is introduced into the liquid container to expel liquid, then the liquid can be dispensed, but the propellant gas coming in direct contact with the product makes it more prone to spoilage
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary mechanism where a flexible diaphragm or membrane separates the compressed gas from the beverage. The gas applies pressure to one side of the diaphragm, which transmits the force to the beverage without direct gas-liquid contact, preventing spoilage while maintaining effective dispensing pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible diaphragms or membranes as barriers between the propellant gas and the beverage. These thin flexible films transmit mechanical pressure from the gas side to the liquid side while maintaining complete separation, preventing chemical contamination and spoilage while enabling effective liquid expulsion.
4Productivity
If gravity flow system is used, then the ingredient can flow out, but the flow rate decreases as the ingredient empties due to decreasing head pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor the internal pressure of the dispensing container. As the beverage level decreases and pressure drops, the controller detects this change and adjusts the pump speed or valve opening accordingly to maintain constant flow rate, creating a closed-loop feedback system that compensates for gravitational pressure changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static gravity-based flow to dynamic pressure-controlled flow. By using adjustable pumps and controllable valves that can change their operation in real-time, the system maintains consistent flow rates despite changing beverage levels, making the flow characteristics dynamically adaptable rather than statically dependent on head pressure.
5Productivity
If gravity flow system is used, then the ingredient can flow out, but more viscous ingredients flow at unacceptably slow flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pneumatic pressure from compressed gas or hydraulic pressure from pumped fluid to force viscous ingredients through the dispensing system. This active pressure-driven approach overcomes the high viscosity resistance that limits gravity flow, enabling rapid dispensing of thick beverages like smoothies, protein shakes, or creamy cocktails that would otherwise flow too slowly.
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
The system achieves sanitary dispensing by minimizing external contact with the liquid, preventing bacterial contamination, and maintaining consistent flow rates regardless of product level or viscosity, while also allowing for accurate determination of remaining product volume without additional sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a gas source providing gaseous pressure in the sealed chamber, the gaseous pressure exerting force on an exterior surface of the compressible container
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for dispensing fluids is introduced. A preferred embodiment comprises a sealed tank, a bag containing fluid inside the sealed tank, an outlet for dispensing the liquid in the bag, and a pressure generating device to create pressure in the sealed tank.