Container, cap and multi-servings beverage dispensing system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing systems face challenges with precise measurement and messy addition of viscous liquid concentrates, particularly due to issues with viscosity and container design, leading to suboptimal beverage preparation and environmental concerns from single-use pods.
Innovation Solution
A container with a resealable and air-permeable membrane for on-demand liquid extraction, integrated with a beverage dispensing system that includes a liquid extraction tube, pumps, and a mixing unit, allowing for precise control and efficient mixing of ingredients with filtered water, while reducing waste through reusable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If single-use pods are used in beverage dispensers, then convenience and hygiene are improved, but environmental pollution and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a reusable container that can be refilled and reused multiple times, eliminating the need to discard single-use pods after one serving. The container is designed to be durable and can be cleaned and refilled, thereby recovering the resource value and reducing waste generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive single-use pods with a more economical reusable container system. Although the initial container cost may be higher, the long-term cost per serving is reduced due to reusability, and the environmental impact is minimized by eliminating continuous disposal of single-use items.
2Adaptability or versatility
If viscous liquid concentrates are manually added to beverages, then flexibility in beverage preparation is improved, but measurement precision and cleanliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an automated dispensing mechanism as an intermediary between the concentrate container and the beverage cup. This intermediary device precisely controls the amount of concentrate dispensed, ensuring accurate measurement while maintaining the flexibility to prepare different beverage types and flavors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual pouring and measurement of viscous concentrates with an automated pumping system. The pump mechanism can precisely meter out the required amount of concentrate based on programmed parameters, eliminating the imprecision and messiness of manual handling while preserving beverage preparation flexibility.
3Productivity
If bottle or container is shaken to extract remaining syrup, then liquid extraction is improved, but over-dispensing and messiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual shaking with an automated pumping mechanism that can extract remaining syrup from the container in a controlled manner. The pump can apply consistent pressure and flow control to retrieve nearly all remaining concentrate without the risk of over-dispensing or creating messes associated with vigorous shaking.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing system incorporates feedback mechanisms such as flow sensors and pressure sensors that monitor the extraction process in real-time. When the container is nearly empty, the system automatically adjusts the pumping parameters to maximize extraction efficiency while preventing over-dispensing, ensuring complete utilization of the concentrate without waste.
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 convenient, customizable, and eco-friendly beverage preparation by ensuring precise ingredient measurement and mixing, reducing waste and environmental impact by using reusable containers and minimizing carbon emissions.
Implementation Method 1
The resealable membrane automatically reseals the aperture upon withdrawal of the liquid extraction tube
Implementation Method 2
an air permeable membrane for balancing a pressure in the casing upon extracting liquid by the liquid extraction tube
Data Source
AI summary
Container for storing a liquid and allowing extraction of the liquid on-demand. The container comprises a casing for storing the liquid, the casing defining an aperture. The container comprises a resealable membrane covering the aperture of the casing, the resealable membrane being adapted for receiving a liquid extraction tube therethrough for on-demand liquid extraction from the casing, the resealable membrane automatically resealing the aperture upon withdrawal of the liquid extraction tube. The container comprises an air permeable membrane for balancing a pressure in the casing upon extracting liquid by the liquid extraction tube. The resealable membrane and the air permeable membrane are provided as a cap for closing the aperture of the casing. Alternatively, the casing, the resealable membrane and the air permeable membrane are provided as a capsule. A multi-servings beverage dispensing system is adapted for receiving the container in removable engagement.