Filter Membrane with Integrated Adsorbents for Beverage Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter devices for stabilizing liquids, such as drinks, are not effective in removing all cloudy substances and improving storage stability, leading to suboptimal product quality and increased costs due to the need for multiple systems for filtration and stabilization.

Innovation Solution

A filter device with multiple integrated stabilization agents, including a membrane filter unit with a filter element and stabilization agents that use different separation principles, such as adsorption and ion exchange, to effectively remove cloudy substances and improve liquid stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single filter device is used for both filtration and stabilization, then device complexity is reduced and costs are lowered, but the effectiveness in removing all cloudy substances and improving storage stability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem integrationVSAvoidstabilization effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter device is segmented into multiple functional units: a filtration unit for physical filtration and at least one stabilization unit with adsorbent material for chemical stabilization. This segmentation allows each unit to specialize in its function while being integrated into a single device, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and functional effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device combines different materials with complementary properties: filtration media for physical separation and adsorbent materials (such as PVPP, silica gel, activated carbon) for chemical adsorption of cloudy substances. This composite approach enables the single device to achieve both filtration and stabilization functions effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If multiple stabilizing agents with different separation principles are used, then removal of cloudy substances is improved and storage stability is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestabilization effectivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple stabilizing agents with different separation principles (adsorption, ion exchange) are merged into a single stabilization unit or integrated filter device. This combining approach achieves comprehensive stabilization effectiveness while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate systems, as the agents work synergistically within one integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If adsorbent material is integrated into the filter device, then stabilization effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestabilization effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The adsorbent material is prepared and pre-loaded into the stabilization unit before final device assembly. This preliminary preparation allows the adsorbent to be optimally positioned and configured, ensuring stabilization effectiveness while simplifying the final manufacturing process by separating preparation steps from assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Porous adsorbent materials are used that can be easily loaded into the filter device structure. The porous nature of these materials allows for simple filling and integration processes, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining high stabilization effectiveness through their large surface area and adsorption capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

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 use of multiple stabilization agents in the filter device results in up to 6% less cloudy substances in liquids, improved storage stability lasting up to five times longer, and reduced costs by integrating filtration and stabilization in a single system.

Implementation Method 1

The filter unit has at least one integrated stabilizing means designed to separate a substance dissolved in the liquid from the liquid by means of adsorption

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP3393638B1Filter membrane comprising two adsorbents
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 PALL CORP
  • EP3393638B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3393638B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3393638B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention proceeds from a filter device which is provided for stabilizing a liquid, in particular beverages, having at least one filter unit (10), in particular a membrane filter unit, which has at least one filter element (12) and at least one integrated stabilizer (14). It is proposed that the filter unit (10) has at least one further integrated stabilizer (16). It is proposed in a further aspect of the invention that the filter device comprises at least one first precursor (18) which is provided for forming the filter element (12) at least partially, and the same first precursor (18) is provided for configuring the stabilizer (14) at least partially.