Beverage Dispenser Head with Segmented Rotor Pump for Precise Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved dispenser head and method for producing and dispensing liquid products on demand, particularly for effervescible beverages like carbonated or nitrogenated beverages, that is efficient, rapid, hygienic, and capable of precise composition.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser head comprising a pump, a dilution mechanism, an additive mechanism, and an outlet nozzle, where the pump includes a rotor within a housing, the dilution mechanism involves a dilution chamber and a diluent duct with an orifice for rapid mixing, and the additive mechanism combines the diluted concentrate with an additive fluid, all controlled by a regulation system for precise flow regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a pump mechanism with rotor and seal is used to convey concentrate, then precise quanta of concentrate can be delivered, but the system becomes complex and difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mechanism is segmented into a rotor with discrete cavities that sequentially convey precise volumes of concentrate. Each cavity acts as an independent unit for measuring and transferring concentrate, enabling precise delivery while simplifying the overall structure compared to continuous pumping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal mechanism is extracted and integrated directly into the rotor structure, eliminating the need for separate seal components. The radially depressed surface area of the rotor itself creates the sealing action against the pump housing, reducing part count and simplifying cleaning procedures.
2Ease of operation
If concentrate is diluted with still water first, then carbonated water is added, then excessive foaming occurs, but if carbonated water is added first, then the concentrate viscosity prevents proper mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The concentrate is pre-diluted with still water in the pump mechanism before being discharged. This preliminary dilution reduces the viscosity of the concentrate, enabling it to mix properly with carbonated water without creating excessive foam during the subsequent mixing stage.
Solution Approach 2:
Still water acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates the mixing process. By first mixing concentrate with still water to reduce viscosity, the system creates an intermediate mixture that can then be easily combined with carbonated water without the harmful effect of excessive foaming.
3Productivity
If the dispenser head is designed for rapid dispensing, then productivity increases, but manufacturing precision of liquid composition decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor operates in periodic cycles, with each rotation delivering a precise quantum of concentrate through discrete cavities. This periodic action ensures consistent, precise metering of concentrate while maintaining rapid overall dispensing speed through continuous rotational operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical seal and rotor interaction is designed to create a self-regulating flow system where the geometry of the radially depressed surface area automatically controls the discharge rate and mixing efficiency, maintaining precision without complex mechanical control mechanisms.
4Device complexity
If a single pump mechanism is used to convey both concentrate and carbonated water, then device complexity is reduced, but the pump cannot handle viscous concentrate and carbonated water simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mechanism is designed with localized functional zones: the rotor cavities are optimized for conveying viscous concentrate with precise metering characteristics, while the discharge chamber and mixing area are configured to receive and mix carbonated water. Each zone has properties specifically suited to the fluid it handles, enabling a single pump to manage both fluid types effectively.
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 dispenser head enables efficient, rapid, and hygienic dispensing of liquids with precise composition, effectively addressing the challenges of producing and dispensing effervescible beverages on demand.
Implementation Method 1
a rotor that can rotate within a housing to pump a first liquid from a first inlet to an outlet
Implementation Method 2
the dilution mechanism involves a dilution chamber and a diluent duct with an orifice for rapid mixing
Implementation Method 3
the additive mechanism combines the diluted concentrate with an additive fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser head for in-line mixing and dispensing of beverages, which may be carbonated or nitrogenated. The dispenser head comprising a pump, a dilution mechanism, an additive mechanism, and outlet nozzle and optionally a regulation system. In use, the pump can pump concentrate liquid for the liquid product from a concentrate source to the dilution mechanism; the dilution mechanism can receive diluent liquid suitable for the liquid product from a diluent source, operable to mix the diluent liquid and the concentrate liquid and provide diluted concentrate liquid; and the additive mechanism can receive additive fluid for the liquid product from an additive source, to combine the diluted concentrate liquid and the additive fluid. The regulation system comprises a pump regulator means for regulating the quantity of concentrate liquid pumped into the dilution mechanism within the dispense period; a diluent quantity regulator means for regulating the flow of diluent liquid into the dilution mechanism; and an additive quantity regulator means for regulating the flow of additive fluid into the additive mechanism. Preferably, the dispenser head is a unitary device, which may be supplied attached to a vessel containing the concentrate.