Disposable Foaming Assembly Using Eductor and Microfiltration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable assemblies for liquid food products, such as milk, require significant energy for cooling and heating, leading to high energy consumption and costly mechanical construction, and often result in a 'cooked milk taste' due to heating, while also necessitating frequent cleaning and robust construction to handle steam pressure.
Innovation Solution
A disposable assembly using a concentrated liquid food product with an eductor and microfiltration device that allows for efficient mixing with water to create a foamed product at ambient temperatures, reducing energy use and eliminating the need for steam heating, while maintaining hygiene through a hydrophobic microfiltration device and aseptic seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cooling means are used to cool the milk in the disposable assembly, then the milk can be preserved without degradation, but the energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The milk is concentrated in advance before being placed in the disposable assembly, which extends its shelf life at ambient temperature without requiring cooling during transport and storage. The concentration process is performed beforehand, eliminating the need for continuous cooling during distribution and storage phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the milk is changed from liquid to concentrated form, fundamentally altering its storage requirements. This parameter change allows the milk to be stored at ambient temperature for extended periods without degradation, eliminating the need for cooling infrastructure during storage and transport.
2Temperature
If a steam generator is used to heat the milk for hot foamed product, then hot foamed product can be dispensed, but the energy consumption and mechanical complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator is replaced with a heating element that directly heats the concentrated milk through conduction. This substitution eliminates the need for steam generation mechanics, pressure-resistant construction, and complex valve systems while achieving the same heating function with simpler, less expensive components.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam generation function is extracted from the system and replaced with direct heating. The complex steam generation mechanism including pressure vessels, safety valves, and steam distribution systems is removed entirely, keeping only the essential heating function.
3Temperature
If steam generator is used for heating, then hot product can be produced, but the mechanical construction must be robust to resist high pressures, increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generation system with its high-pressure mechanical components is replaced by a simple heating element system operating at atmospheric pressure. This substitution eliminates the need for pressure-resistant construction, complex valve mechanisms, and robust mechanical design, significantly reducing device complexity and cost.
4Reliability
If frequent cleaning is performed to maintain hygiene, then hygiene standards are maintained, but the downtime and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable assembly is designed to be discarded after a single use or limited number of uses, eliminating the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance. The low cost of the disposable unit makes it economically viable to replace rather than clean, reducing downtime and energy consumption associated with cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of cleaning and reusing the assembly, the system is designed to discard the disposable assembly after use and replace it with a fresh unit. This approach prioritizes replacement over recovery, eliminating cleaning downtime and energy consumption while maintaining highest hygiene standards.
5Duration of action of stationary object
If concentrated liquid food product is used instead of liquid milk, then storage at ambient temperature is possible, but additional mixing with water is required
Solution Approach 1:
The eductor device is designed to perform multiple functions: it mixes concentrated milk with water to restore proper consistency, creates the necessary pressure differential for product expulsion, and generates suction to draw product from the holder. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mixing, pumping, and pressurization devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The eductor uses hydraulic principles to create a pressure differential that drives the mixing process. Water under pressure enters the eductor, creates a low-pressure zone that draws in concentrated milk, and the mixing occurs automatically through fluid dynamics without mechanical mixing components.
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 enables the production of a foamed food product with a pleasant taste using low energy and durable components, reducing cleaning frequency and costs, while maintaining high hygiene standards and allowing for extended storage and use at ambient temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
an eductor; a microfiltration device; a transfer tube connecting an outlet of said eductor with an inlet of said microfiltration device
Implementation Method 2
the eductor can be used to entrain concentrated liquid food product out of the holder by the suction provided by the water flowing through the eductor
Implementation Method 3
a microfiltration device for foaming the milk by introducing a gas, such as air, via the microfiltration device to the milk flowing through the microfiltration device
Implementation Method 4
introducing a gas, such as air, via the microfiltration device to the milk flowing through the microfiltration device
Implementation Method 5
the microfiltration device is made of a hydrophobic material. In this manner the microfiltration device repels water and possible contaminations contained therein
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable assembly (1), a system and method for preparing a foamed food product A disposable assembly (1) contains a concentrated liquid food product and comprises an eductor (4) and a microfiltration device (11). A water inlet (6) of the eductor (4) is configured for connection to an external source of water (37). A gas inlet (16) of the microfiltration device (11) is configured for connection to an external source of gas and an outlet (15) of the microfiltration device is configured for discharging a foamed food product created by the microfiltration device from the disposable assembly. A system for preparing a foamed food product comprises a product preparation apparatus (36) for preparing said foamed food product, and such a disposable assembly (1). The apparatus comprises a water source (37), a water heater (39) and water pressurizing means (38) configured for detachable connection to the eductor (4) of the disposable assembly (1). The apparatus further comprises a pressurized gas source (42) and gas pressurizing means (46) configured for supplying pressurized gas to the microfiltration device (11). In a method for preparing a foamed food product heated water is supplied to the water inlet (6) of said eductor (4) for entraining concentrated liquid food product (3) out of the holder (2) and for mixing said concentrated liquid food product (3) with the heated water.