Fermentation Tank Temperature Control and Gas Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage makers lack the capability to maintain beverages at an optimum temperature during fermentation and storage, and they do not effectively manage fermentation pressure.
Innovation Solution
A beverage maker with a fermentation tank module, a temperature controller, and a gas discharging passage. The temperature controller includes a refrigeration cycle device and a heater to maintain the fermentation tank at an optimal temperature, while the gas discharging passage allows for the regulation of fermentation pressure by discharging generated gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a beverage maker is designed to ferment beverages at optimal temperature, then fermentation quality is improved, but the device complexity increases due to adding temperature control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature control function with the fermentation tank structure by integrating the refrigeration cycle device and heater directly into the tank assembly. This merging of functions reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable temperature control for quality fermentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fermentation tank module serves multiple functions: it contains the beverage, provides temperature control through integrated refrigeration and heating, and manages gas pressure through the discharging passage. This multi-functionality improves fermentation quality without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If a temperature control system is added to maintain beverages at optimal temperature, then beverage quality is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature controller operates periodically rather than continuously, switching between refrigeration and heating modes as needed to maintain optimal temperature. This periodic operation reduces energy consumption while preserving beverage quality through consistent temperature management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts temperature parameters during the fermentation process, changing from cooling during active fermentation to heating during storage phases. This parameter optimization minimizes energy use while maintaining the quality requirements for different stages of beverage production.
3Reliability
If a gas discharging passage is added to regulate fermentation pressure, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gas management function from the main fermentation chamber by providing a separate discharging passage. This extraction allows pressure regulation without adding complex pressure control mechanisms, improving safety through simple gas venting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas discharging passage acts as an intermediary between the fermentation environment and the external atmosphere, allowing pressure equalization and gas removal without requiring direct intervention or complex control systems. This intermediary structure improves safety while adding minimal complexity.
4Temperature
If the fermentation tank is designed with insulation, then temperature stability is improved, but the volume of the tank is reduced due to insulation layer thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation is applied selectively to specific areas of the fermentation tank where temperature stability is most critical, rather than uniformly throughout. This local application maintains temperature stability in key zones while preserving maximum usable volume within the tank structure.
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 beverage maker ensures that beverages are fermented and stored at optimal temperatures, maintaining the quality and flavor of the beverages. Additionally, the gas discharging passage helps in maintaining adequate fermentation pressure, preventing issues such as fermentation tank overpressure.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature controller may include a the refrigeration cycle device provided with a compressor, a condenser, an expansion mechanism, and an evaporator, through which a refrigerant circulates
Implementation Method 2
The temperature controller may include a the refrigeration cycle device provided with a compressor, a condenser, an expansion mechanism, and an evaporator, through which a refrigerant circulates
Implementation Method 3
an insulating part disposed between the fermentation case and the fermentation tank, the insulating part being configured to surround the fermentation tank
Implementation Method 4
The temperature controller may further include a heater wound around the outer surface of the fermentation tank and disposed between the fermentation tank and the insulating part
Implementation Method 5
The yeast may ferment the malt while being added to the malt, and may help to produce alcohol and carbonic acid
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage maker is provided including a fermentation tank module in which an opening is defined, a fermentation lid configured to open and close the opening, a temperature controller configured to control a temperature within the fermentation tank module, and a gas discharging passage connected to at least one of the fermentation tank module or the fermentation lid. The fermentation tank module may include a fermentation case, a fermentation tank which is accommodated in the fermentation case and in which an inner space that communicates with the opening is defined, and an insulator disposed between the fermentation case and the fermentation tank. The insulator is configured to surround the fermentation tank.