Fluid Dispensing Device with Gas Capsule Chip Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for dispensing nitrogen-infused beverages, such as Nitro Coffee, face issues with metal chips from gas capsules entering the system, potentially damaging downstream components and requiring significant space, making them unsuitable for portable use.

Innovation Solution

A portable device with a gas capsule holder, piercing unit, pressure limiting valve, and chip collecting space upstream of the valve, along with a filter element to prevent chip entry, ensuring safe and efficient gas flow for beverage dispensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If gas capsules are pierced frequently to ensure gas supply, then the device can be used repeatedly, but metal shavings accumulate and increase the risk of damaging downstream components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusage frequencyVSAvoidcomponent safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A filter element is introduced as an intermediary component between the gas capsule piercing unit and the downstream beverage dispensing system. This filter captures metal shavings generated during capsule piercing, preventing them from reaching and damaging downstream components while allowing gas to pass through. The filter acts as a protective mediator that enables frequent capsule changes without compromising system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful metal shavings generated during capsule piercing are converted from a damaging factor into a collectible byproduct. The filter element captures these shavings, preventing them from causing damage while allowing the gas flow function to continue. This transforms the harmful piercing byproduct into a contained element that does not interfere with system operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If a filter system is added to prevent chip entry, then component protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent protectionVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A porous filter element is used to protect downstream components from metal shavings. The porous structure allows gas molecules to pass through while capturing larger metal particulates. This single-component solution provides effective protection without requiring complex multi-stage filtration systems, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Reliability

If a pressure relief valve is added to maintain safe pressure, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure safetyVSAvoidvalve mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A pressure relief valve is incorporated to automatically regulate the pressure parameter within the system. The valve maintains pressure within safe operating limits by releasing excess pressure, preventing dangerous buildup. This parameter control mechanism ensures safety without requiring complex active control systems, using passive pressure-responsive operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Prevents metal chips from entering the device's interior, maintains pressure for proper beverage preparation, and allows for a compact, safe, and efficient dispensing system suitable for portable use.

Implementation Method 1

a piercing unit (33) to ensure a fluidic connection between the gas capsule (37) and the device (1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiercing:

Implementation Method 2

a pressure relief valve to limit the pressure inside the device; that is, the term 'pressure relief valve' should be understood functionally

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure relief:

Implementation Method 3

a chip collection chamber is arranged upstream of the pressure relief valve when viewed in the direction of gas flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSedimentation: Sedimentation

Implementation Method 4

at least one open constricted cross-section, through which the gas is forced to flow, is provided, in order to prevent the chips/contaminants from reaching the pressure relief valve or even the device interior

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3501630B1Device for applying fluids, preferably cooled fluids

Publication Date: 2021.01.27 ISI GMBH

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AI summary

Device (1) for discharging cooled fluids, the device (1) comprising: an openable and closable container (2, 6) which forms an internal chamber (41) for receiving a discharge medium (42); a gas capsule holder (38) for receiving a replaceable, gas-filled gas capsule (37); a piercing unit (33) to ensure a fluidic connection between the gas capsule (37) and the device (1); a discharge opening (22) through which the discharge medium (42) can be discharged from the internal chamber (41) when the device (1) is actuated. According to the invention, a pressure relief valve is arranged downstream of the piercing unit (33) when viewed in a gas flow direction (43), and a chip collection chamber (44) is arranged upstream of the pressure relief valve when viewed in the gas flow direction (43).