Beverage Dispensing Line Barrier Against Microorganism Reflux
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage dispensing assemblies are prone to microorganism contamination, leading to premature spoilage and unwanted alcohol formation in beverages, especially in low-alcohol or alcohol-free beers, due to the risk of microorganism infiltration during the exchange of containers, and require cooling to prevent contamination, which is space and energy inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A beverage dispensing assembly with a dispensing line featuring an extended upstream flow path section that acts as a barrier to microorganism migration, including a horizontal or downward flow channel and optional loops or spirals, which increases the distance and difficulty for microorganisms to reach the beverage chamber, thereby reducing contamination risks without the need for cooling the beverage container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cooling means are used to prevent microorganism growth in the beverage container, then the beverage shelf life is extended, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful microorganisms are extracted or removed from the system by preventing their entry into the beverage container through the detachable coupling design, eliminating the need for cooling means to control their growth
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing line is segmented into a permanent first part attached to the container and a detachable second part, creating a barrier that prevents microorganism migration while avoiding the need for complex cooling systems
2Reliability
If the beverage container is cooled to prevent microorganism contamination, then the beverage quality is maintained, but the energy consumption and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable coupling mechanism creates a preliminary barrier that prevents microorganism contamination before it can affect the beverage, eliminating the need for continuous cooling energy input
Solution Approach 2:
The first dispensing line part acts as an intermediary barrier between the beverage container and the external environment, preventing microorganism entry without requiring energy-intensive cooling
3Productivity
If the dispensing line is open during container exchange, then the container can be replaced efficiently, but microorganisms can infiltrate the dispensing line
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable coupling mechanism is designed to maintain fluid tightness during the container exchange process, preliminarily preventing microorganism infiltration before it can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary that allows container exchange while maintaining a fluid-tight barrier, preventing microorganism entry during the exchange process
4Reliability
If a long upstream flow path section is used to reduce microorganism migration, then the beverage chamber is protected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing line is segmented into a permanent first part with the upstream flow path section and a detachable second part, creating a protected zone without excessive overall complexity
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 solution effectively reduces microorganism migration into the beverage chamber, extending the shelf life of the beverage and preventing premature spoilage, while allowing for easy exchange of containers with reduced contamination risk, without the need for cooling the beverage container.
Implementation Method 1
the upstream flow path section in the first dispensing line part is arranged to at least reduce a microorganism migration rate from the downstream flow path section into the beverage chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Beverage dispensing assembly 200 comprising a beverage container 201 with a container body 202 defining a beverage chamber arranged for holding a beverage; a dispenser 230 with a dispensing opening for dispensing the beverage; and a dispensing line extending between the beverage chamber and the dispensing opening to form a flow path enabling a flow of beverage from the beverage chamber to the dispensing opening. The dispensing line comprises a first dispensing line part 211 attached to the container body 202 and a separate second dispensing line part 220 attached to the dispenser 230, the first and the second parts fluid tightly coupled to each other with detachable coupling means 210. The first dispensing line part defines an upstream flow path section arranged to at least reduce a microorganism migration rate from a downstream flow path section in the second dispensing line part into the beverage chamber.