Exchangeable Container Frothing System for Consistent Foam Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foamed product dispensing systems, such as spray cream and automated whipped cream machines, suffer from instability, inconsistent quality, and hygiene issues, requiring complex operation and frequent cleaning.

Innovation Solution

A system with an exchangeable product container equipped with a product processing unit (CPU) that includes a frothing device and a valve member, connected to a fluid supply, allowing controlled gas introduction and pressure reduction, ensuring reliable, hygienic, and user-friendly dispensing of foamed products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional aerosol or pump spray bottles are used for foam dispensing, then portability and ease of use are improved, but foam expansion control and product consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidfoam expansion control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the foam dispensing function into separate components: a portable container for foam concentrate and a separate expansion chamber where the actual foam expansion occurs. This segmentation allows the concentrate to be stored portably while the expansion process is controlled externally, resolving the contradiction between portability and expansion control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary expansion chamber that acts as a mediator between the portable concentrate container and the final foam application. This intermediary device enables controlled expansion of the foam concentrate while maintaining the portability advantage of the original container system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If conventional spray bottles are used, then device simplicity is improved, but product waste and incomplete dispensing worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidproduct waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the physical parameters of foam dispensing by controlling expansion ratio, air incorporation, and dispensing pressure separately from storage. This allows complete utilization of the foam concentrate with minimal waste, while maintaining relative device simplicity through the use of basic expansion chamber components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If foam is dispensed from conventional containers, then ease of use is improved, but foam quality and expansion ratio consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidfoam expansion ratio consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces dynamic control elements including adjustable expansion ratios, variable air mixing ratios, and controllable dispensing pressures. These dynamic adjustments enable consistent foam quality and expansion ratios while maintaining ease of operation through user-friendly control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor foam expansion, air mixing ratios, and dispensing parameters to maintain consistent foam quality. This feedback control ensures stable composition and expansion ratios while keeping the system easy to operate through automated adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 system provides consistent product quality, efficient operation, and hygienic handling of foamed products, even under varying conditions, with a compact and economical design.

Implementation Method 1

a foamed product dispensing system, and product container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFoaming: Foam

Data Source

PatentEP3945867B1A foamed product dispensing system, and product container
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 FRIESLANDCAMPINA NEDERLAND BV
  • EP3945867B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3945867B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3945867B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A foamed product dispensing system, wherein the system includes: -a product dispensing machine (B), configured to receive an exchangeable product container (H); -a product container (H), configured to cooperate with the product dispensing machine (B), after placement in the machine (B); wherein the product container (H) contains a foamable product (P), wherein the product container (H) is provided with a product processing unit (CPU) including a frothing device (15) having a product entrance (15i) for receiving product (P) and a product exit (15u) for discharging product (P), wherein the processing unit (CPU) is connectable to a fluid supply for supplying gas to the product (P) during product discharge.