Modular Dispensing Nozzle Assembly for Multi-Viscosity Beverage Mixing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dispensing nozzle assemblies for beverage dispensers are limited in accommodating a wide variety of fluids with different viscosities, flow rates, and mixing ratios, making it difficult to provide multiple beverage options with a single nozzle design while ensuring good mixing and easy cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A modular dispensing nozzle assembly featuring a core module assembly and an injector ring assembly with multiple paths for macro- and micro-ingredient streams, including angled outlet tubes and a dispensing ring, which allows for efficient mixing and distribution of various fluid streams, including diluents, macro-ingredients, and micro-ingredients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single nozzle design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different fluid types and viscosities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly is divided into a removable core module assembly and a stationary injector ring assembly. The core module can be removed and replaced to accommodate different beverage types, while the injector ring remains fixed. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple fluid types without redesigning the entire nozzle.
Solution Approach 2:
The injector ring assembly is designed with multiple paths and outlet positions that can work with different core modules. The same injector ring can accommodate various core modules for different beverages (coffee, tea, soft drinks, etc.), making the system universal and multi-functional.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fluid streams are accommodated, then beverage variety increases, but mixing quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different paths in the injector ring have different characteristics optimized for specific fluid types. The first paths are configured for macro-ingredients while second paths are configured for micro-ingredients. Each path has specific outlet positions and angles tailored to its intended fluid type, ensuring optimal mixing quality for each beverage category.
Solution Approach 2:
The core module assembly acts as an intermediary that receives different fluid streams from multiple sources and channels them through the injector ring's multiple paths. This intermediary structure organizes the mixing process by separating macro- and micro-ingredient delivery while ensuring proper integration in the final beverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the nozzle accommodates multiple beverage types, then cleaning difficulty increases, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The removable core module assembly separates the contamination-prone internal components from the stationary injector ring. The core module can be quickly removed and cleaned or replaced, while the injector ring requires minimal cleaning since it handles multiple fluid types through dedicated paths. This segmentation dramatically simplifies the cleaning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The core module assembly, which is most susceptible to contamination from different beverage residues, is extracted as a separate removable component. This allows the critical mixing surfaces to be easily accessed for cleaning while leaving the injector ring's multiple paths relatively protected.
4Productivity
If fluid paths are optimized for specific flow characteristics, then mixing efficiency improves, but adaptability to different viscosities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic adaptability by allowing the core module to be changed based on the beverage type being dispensed. Each core module is optimized for specific viscosity ranges and flow characteristics, and can be swapped to match the current dispensing requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration maintains optimal mixing efficiency across different fluid types.
Solution Approach 2:
Different core modules have different physical parameters (path dimensions, outlet angles, flow rates) optimized for specific fluid viscosities. By changing the core module, the system changes these parameters to match the current beverage's requirements, maintaining efficient mixing while accommodating various viscosities from thin syrups to thicker concentrates.
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 the dispensing of a wide range of beverages with varying reconstitution ratios and viscosities, providing multiple beverage options while minimizing fluid carryover and facilitating easy cleaning, thus accommodating the diversity of available beverages in a compact footprint.
Implementation Method 1
The injector ring assembly may include a number of first paths surrounding the core module assembly and extending to a dispensing ring and a number of second paths surrounding the first paths and extending to the dispensing ring
Implementation Method 2
Current post-mix beverage dispensing nozzles generally mix streams of syrup, concentrate, sweetener, bonus flavors, other types of flavoring, and other ingredients with water or other types of diluent by flowing the syrup stream down the center of the nozzle with the water stream flowing around the outside
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a dispensing nozzle assembly. The dispensing nozzle assembly may include a core module assembly and an injector ring assembly surrounding the removable core module assembly. The injector ring assembly may include a number of first paths surrounding the core module assembly and extending to a dispensing ring and a number of second paths surrounding the first paths and extending to the dispensing ring.