Drink Layering Cup and Float for Bubble-Free Layer Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drink layering technologies fail to reliably pour multiple layers without mixing, often resulting in turbid or murky drinks due to turbulence and air bubble entrapment, and are not easily adaptable for use with varying glass sizes.
Innovation Solution
A drink layering apparatus with a hollow structure, a built-in pouring cup, and a thin rod with a float that guides liquids down at a controlled, viscous flow rate, preventing turbulence and air bubbles, and stabilizing the glass for precise layering on different sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If liquor is poured at high velocity to fill the glass quickly, then productivity is improved, but the layers mix and become turbid due to turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the dispensing apparatus with controlled flow mechanism) between the liquor source and the glass to mediate the pouring process. This intermediary controls the flow velocity to be low enough to prevent turbulence and layer mixing, while still achieving acceptable filling speed through efficient sequential dispensing of multiple liquors.
2Loss of time
If liquor is poured rapidly through a funnel, then loss of time is reduced, but air bubbles are entrapped in the layers creating unsightly appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow velocity parameter from high (rapid pouring) to low (controlled dispensing). The dispensing apparatus regulates the liquor flow rate to minimize air bubble entrapment while maintaining efficient operation. The controlled parameter adjustment ensures smooth layer formation without the harmful effects of rapid pouring.
3Manufacturing precision
If a distribution disk is used to dispense liquor, then manufacturing precision of layer distribution is improved, but the disk becomes immersed in liquor causing mixing and air bubble entrapment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the distribution function from an immersed disk and relocates it to a non-immersed dispensing position. The liquor is dispensed directly onto the glass surface or near the layer interface without submerging any distribution mechanism, thereby eliminating the problems of mixing and air bubble entrapment that occur when the disk is immersed in the liquor.
4Manufacturing precision
If the pouring device is fixed for specific glass sizes, then manufacturing precision for that size is improved, but adaptability to varying glass sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic, adjustable components in the dispensing apparatus that allow it to adapt to different glass sizes while maintaining layering precision. The device can be adjusted or reconfigured for various glass dimensions, transforming a static, size-specific design into a dynamic, versatile system that preserves manufacturing precision across different applications.
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 apparatus ensures clear, unmixed, and well-separated drink layers with minimal disturbance, making it easy to use for both operators and viewers, and suitable for various glass sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid flows down along the thin rod passing through the aperture located on the bottom of the built-in pouring cup until it reaches a float or ball float positioned at the bottom end of the thin rod. The liquid adheres to the thin rod due to wetting action and flows downward towards the ball assisted by gravity as a viscous flow
Implementation Method 2
The liquid adheres to the thin rod due to wetting action and flows downward towards the ball assisted by gravity as a viscous flow
Implementation Method 3
The hollow structure is used to stabilize the drink layering portion machine, surrounding and/or hovering over a glass into which the drink is being layered, as the glass and the structure rest on a flat tabletop or bar top
Implementation Method 4
The present invention relates to a portion machine system for layering drinks in discrete layers in a reliable manner without mixing layered drinks... different densities of the respective liquids
Data Source
AI summary
A drink layering portion machine reliably creates undisturbed air bubble free multiple drink layers. The portion machine includes a flat bottom hollow structure, a top with a pouring cup that is shaped as a bowl having a hemispherical or semi-circular basin and having a central aperture at its bottom base. A thin rod, preferably textured, passes through the aperture with a small clearance. A second aperture displaced from the first aperture supports the thin rod providing wobble free movement. The bottom end of the thin rod carries a float, preferably textured. The drink layering portion machine is placed with a hollow structure encircling or hovering over a glass and stabilizing it from tilting. The float rests on the liquor in the interior of the glass as liquor is poured into the pouring cup. The liquor runs down at a slow volumetric rate through the small clearance, down the thin rod, over the float external surface into the glass forming layered undisturbed drink free from air bubble entrapment.