Elastomeric Drink Texturizing Device to Replace Single-Use Ice Cubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for texturizing and aerating shaken cocktails, such as using multiple small objects or large-sized ice cubes, result in poor aeration and texture, along with difficulties in removal and temperature modification of the drink.
Innovation Solution
A reusable device made of food-grade, thermally insulating elastomeric material with a density matching that of ice, designed to fit within a shaking container, providing superior texturization and aeration without the need for small objects or large ice cubes, and maintaining drink temperature and flavor balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple small objects (wires, balls, springs, whisks, ball bearings) are added to cocktail shakers, then aeration and texturization are attempted, but the aeration and texture are poor and the objects are difficult to remove from the drink and crushed ice
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single large ice cube into multiple smaller ice cubes that can be easily handled and removed. Each small ice cube acts as an independent texturizing element, providing effective aeration and texture while being simple to remove from the drink and crushed ice remnants after shaking.
2Ease of manufacture
If a large-sized ice cube (about 50 mm in each dimension) is used to produce superior texture, then the texture is improved, but the ice cube must be frozen, used once, and then discarded, and it affects both the temperature and dilution of the shaken drink
Solution Approach 1:
The large ice cube is segmented into multiple smaller ice cubes. This segmentation maintains the texturizing effectiveness while reducing the total volume of ice required. The multiple small ice cubes can be removed and reused, eliminating the waste associated with discarding a large single-use ice cube.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the ice cube after single use, the invention enables recovery and reuse of the ice cubes. The small ice cubes can be easily removed from the drink and crushed ice, cleaned, and reused for subsequent shakes, transforming a disposable solution into a sustainable one.
3Ease of manufacture
If a large-sized ice cube is used to texturize the drink, then superior texture is achieved, but the temperature and dilution of the shaken drink are modified, affecting its flavor, balance, strength and aroma
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the large ice cube into multiple smaller cubes increases the total surface area in contact with the drink during shaking. This enhanced surface area improves aeration and texturization effectiveness while distributing the cooling effect more evenly, thereby maintaining better temperature stability and minimizing unwanted modifications to the drink's flavor, balance, and aroma.
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 produces a shaken drink with superior texture and aeration, repeatable flavor, balance, and aroma, while being easy to clean and reusable, eliminating the need for frequent ice cube replacement and minimizing temperature and dilution issues.
Implementation Method 1
The body has a density of about 916 grams per liter, which corresponds to the density of ice
Implementation Method 2
The body is constituted of a food-grade, thermally insulating, elastomeric material
Implementation Method 3
shaken vigorously before serving... shaking the container and the device in the liquid... produces a shaken drink with superior texture and aeration
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for shaking drinks includes a shaking container and a device placed in a drink in the container. The device texturizes and aerates the drink when the container is shaken. The device has a three-dimensional body constituted of a food-grade, thermally insulating, elastomeric material and is re-usable. The body has a density of about 916 grams per liter, and is dimensioned to almost fully occlude the interior of the container.