Double-Conical Beverage Flow Regulator for Stable Carbonation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable containers for carbonated beverages, such as 'growlers', fail to maintain the sensory quality of beer due to decarbonation and inability to preserve the desired foam consistency, as they lack effective flow regulation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A flow regulator mechanism using a double conical part made of elastomeric material that deforms with beverage pressure, controlling the flow by adjusting the space between internal conical walls to maintain constant output and preserve carbonation, eliminating the need for external gas sources and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a simple portable container is used, then portability is improved, but the ability to maintain carbonation and foam quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A regulator device is introduced as an intermediary component between the portable container and the beverage dispensing system. This regulator maintains carbonation by controlling pressure and flow, acting as a mediator that preserves sensory quality while enabling portability. The regulator includes a valve mechanism and flow control elements that prevent decarbonation during transport and dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator dynamically adjusts pressure and flow parameters to maintain optimal carbonation levels. By changing pressure parameters through the valve mechanism and flow rate parameters through the flow control elements, the system preserves sensory quality across different portability conditions and dispensing scenarios.
2Device complexity
If no flow regulation mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the consistency of beverage flow and carbonation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator incorporates dynamic flow control elements that automatically adjust to maintain consistent beverage flow. The valve mechanism and flow control components respond to pressure changes and user input, providing stable carbonation and flow consistency without requiring complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator is designed to self-regulate flow and pressure through its internal valve mechanism and flow control elements. The system automatically maintains optimal carbonation levels without requiring external intervention or complex control systems, achieving flow consistency through self-service operation.
3Reliability
If external gas sources are used to maintain pressure, then carbonation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator extracts and utilizes the existing gas space (headspace) within the portable container itself, eliminating the need for external gas sources. By tapping into the internal pressure already present in the container, the system maintains carbonation without adding external gas cylinders or complex pressurization systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own internal resources - the headspace gas already present in the portable container - to maintain carbonation and pressure. This self-service approach eliminates dependency on external gas sources and reduces overall system complexity while preserving beverage quality.
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
Ensures consistent and high-quality carbonation throughout consumption, maintaining the sensory attributes of the beverage by regulating flow and preventing decarbonation, while being cost-effective and suitable for portable packaging.
Implementation Method 1
a substantially double conical part (2), having an upstream cone portion (25) and a downstream cone portion (24), said double conical part (2) pressing with greater or lesser intensity, depending on the volume/pressure of liquid inside a container, an elastomeric material (6)
Implementation Method 2
adapted to automatically maintain the pressure in the space between the liquid and the nozzle of the container at a predetermined level to ensure distribution of the beverage
Implementation Method 3
controlling the flow by adjusting the space between internal conical walls to maintain constant output
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a flow regulator for carbonated beverages, enabling flow uniformity throughout the operation and guaranteeing the sensorial quality of the beverage. Thus, a regulator for controlling the flow of carbonated beverages is taught, provided with a main body comprising at least two parts, a downstream part (1), having a hole for the exit of the carbonated beverage, and an upstream part (3), having a inlet hole for the carbonated beverage under pressure, or the main body comprising at least three parts, the downstream part (1), the upstream part (3) and a central part (5), having at least two attachable and detachable parts. The parts are equipped with frustum-shaped cavities that accommodate a double conical part (2); the double conical part (2) comprises an upstream cone portion (25), the diameter of which increases in the direction of the beverage flow, and a downstream cone portion (24), the diameter of which decreases in the direction of the beverage flow. The end (21) of the downstream cone portion (24) transfers the force from the beverage pressure exerted on the upstream cone portion (25), including the force exerted on the convex end (22), to an elastomeric material (6) which deforms depending on the pressure of the beverage; the elastomeric material (6) is also housed in a support coupled (14) to the downstream part (1) or in a movable support (4), and the movable support (4) can either be fixed to the downstream part (1), in the central part (5) or in the union between the aforementioned downstream part (1) and central part (5).