Multi-Flavor Dispenser Nozzle With Flow Diffuser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frozen beverage machines lack an efficient and customizable method for injecting flavored additives into a base liquid, resulting in limited control over flavor distribution and mixing.
Innovation Solution
A multi-flavor dispenser nozzle assembly with a faceplate, O-rings, and a valve stem assembly that allows for precise control over the injection of additives into a base product, featuring circumferential recesses for syrup flow channels, radially spaced additive ports, and a flow diffuser for mixing, enabling the simultaneous or layered dispensing of multiple flavors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple nozzle structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control over flavor distribution and mixing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into multiple functional zones: a body portion with circumferential recesses for syrup channels, a faceplate with multiple additive ports, and a flow diffuser section. This segmentation allows each zone to perform a specific function (syrup delivery, additive injection, mixing) while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the nozzle have specialized features tailored to their functions: circumferential recesses in the body portion for syrup flow channels, radially spaced additive ports in the faceplate for precise additive injection, and a flow diffuser with specific geometry for mixing. Each local region is optimized for its specific purpose while integrating into the simple overall nozzle structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple additive ports are added for multi-flavor dispensing, then the flavor variety is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly serves multiple functions within a single integrated structure: it delivers base syrup through circumferential channels, injects multiple flavored additives through radially spaced ports, provides mixing through the flow diffuser geometry, and controls flow through valve stem interaction. This multi-functionality enables flavor variety without requiring separate devices for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The faceplate merges multiple additive ports into a single component that can receive different flavored additives simultaneously or sequentially. The circumferential recesses in the body portion are merged to form integrated syrup channels that distribute base syrup to multiple ports. This merging consolidates what could be multiple separate components into a unified nozzle assembly
3Manufacturing precision
If a flow diffuser is added for mixing, then the mixing quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow diffuser acts as an intermediary element between the additive injection ports and the dispensed product. It receives concentrated additive streams and uses its specific geometry (sloped conical section) to diffuse and mix them with base syrup before exit. This intermediary structure enables quality mixing without requiring complex external mixing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing process utilizes fluid dynamics principles where the flow diffuser geometry creates controlled turbulence and mixing zones. The sloped conical section and radial ports leverage hydraulic flow patterns to achieve thorough mixing of additives with base syrup through fluid motion alone, eliminating the need for mechanical mixers or additional energy input
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 precise and customizable dispensing of flavored beverages, allowing users to select and mix flavors visually and taste-wise, with options for simultaneous or layered dispensing, improving the user experience and product quality.
Implementation Method 1
The nozzle may further comprise a flow diffuser located proximate to the points where the additives are injected that is capable of further mixing the additives with the base product
Data Source
AI summary
Applicants have created an improved multi-flavor food and/or beverage dispenser including an improved nozzle for injection of flavored liquids into a base liquid. The apparatuses and systems described herein can be used with different food and beverage products including, but not limited to, frozen carbonated beverages, frozen alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, frozen yogurts, frozen ice creams and other dispensable food and beverage products