Fermentation Tank Air Pressure Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage-making apparatuses require separate pumps for extracting beverages, which complicates the cleaning and maintenance of the fermentation tank and may not efficiently extract the beverage product.
Innovation Solution
A beverage-making apparatus with a fermentation tank assembly that includes a beverage ingredient pack and a system for compressing the pack using air to extract the beverage product without a separate pump, maintaining cleanliness and simplifying the extraction process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate pump is used for extracting beverage, then the beverage extraction function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and cleaning maintenance becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pump component from the system entirely. Instead of using a mechanical pump to extract beverage, the system uses air pressure applied to the ingredient pack to force beverage through the fermentation tank screen and into the collection container. This extraction of the pump component simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the beverage extraction function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic pressure (air) to drive the beverage extraction process. Air is supplied to the ingredient pack, creating pressure that forces the beverage mixture through the fermentation tank screen. This pneumatic mechanism replaces the need for mechanical pumping, reducing device complexity while achieving the same extraction objective.
2Ease of operation
If a separate pump is used for extracting beverage, then the beverage extraction function is achieved, but the cleaning and maintenance of fermentation tank becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the pump from the system, the patent eliminates the complex connections and interfaces between the pump and fermentation tank. The simplified setup with direct air supply to the ingredient pack and gravity-driven flow through the screen makes the fermentation tank easier to access, disassemble, and clean, as there are no pump components or associated piping to remove or sanitize.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing air supply mechanism and gravity flow to perform beverage extraction without requiring additional active components inside or connected to the fermentation tank. This passive approach reduces the number of parts that need cleaning and maintenance, allowing the fermentation tank to be serviced more easily.
3Productivity
If air pressure is used to compress the ingredient pack, then the beverage extraction efficiency is improved, but the pressure control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies air pressure directly to the ingredient pack to compress it and force beverage through the screen. The system uses sufficient air pressure to achieve effective beverage extraction without requiring complex pressure regulation mechanisms. The air supply continues until the beverage flow is adequate, accepting some excess pressure application as a trade-off for simplified control.
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 effectively extracts the beverage product while maintaining the cleanliness of the fermentation tank, eliminating the need for a separate pump and enhancing the simplicity of the extraction process.
Implementation Method 1
a system for compressing the pack using air to extract the beverage product
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchange element arranged in contact with the fermentation tank
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage making apparatus includes a fermentation tank assembly including a fermentation tank having an opening formed therein, a fermentation tank cover covering the opening, and a heat exchange element arranged in contact with the fermentation tank. The beverage making apparatus also includes a first channel including a first end that is connected to the fermentation tank assembly; and a second end connected to: a second channel connected to a water tank, and a third channel connected to a dispenser of the beverage making apparatus.