Fluid Frothing Assembly with Temperature-Based Air Supply Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frothing devices produce frothed milk of inconsistent quality due to temperature variations of the milk product, with UHT milk at ambient temperature resulting in different frothed end products compared to refrigerated UHT milk.
Innovation Solution
An assembly that adjusts the ratio of fluid to air in the frothing mixture based on the temperature of the milk using an electronic controller and temperature sensor, regulating air supply to maintain consistent froth quality, allowing for variations in foam type and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the air supply amount is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the frothed fluid quality becomes inconsistent due to temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a temperature sensor detects the fluid temperature and sends signals to an electronic controller, which then adjusts the air supply assembly accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the air-to-fluid ratio is automatically optimized based on real-time temperature conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining consistent froth quality and avoiding complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the air supply parameter (air flow rate) based on the fluid temperature parameter. The electronic controller modifies the air supply assembly's operating parameters in response to temperature sensor readings, allowing the system to adapt to different fluid temperatures and maintain consistent frothed quality without requiring a completely complex system architecture.
2Reliability
If the air supply is increased for warm fluid, then the froth quality is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of the air supply based on the actual fluid temperature. Rather than using a fixed high air supply that would consume excessive energy, the system dynamically modulates the air flow to match the specific temperature conditions of the fluid being frothed. This dynamic approach ensures optimal froth quality while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic controller changes the air supply parameter (flow rate) according to the detected fluid temperature. When the fluid is warmer, the controller increases air supply to achieve proper frothing; when the fluid is cooler, the air supply is reduced. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining high froth quality and reducing energy consumption.
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 assembly ensures a consistent and reproducible quality of frothed fluid by controlling air flow in response to temperature fluctuations, enabling the production of desired foam varieties such as hot dry, cold wet, or intermediate types.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature sensor (20) positioned adjacent or in the fluid inlet (16) and configured to generate a first temperature signal having a first temperature value associated with a sensed temperature of the fluid adjacent or in the fluid inlet (16)
Implementation Method 2
a pump (30) configured to create a flow of fluid in the fluid channel (14)
Implementation Method 3
an air supply assembly including an air source and an air channel (12) having an air inlet (12a) and a downstream end (12b). The air source is connected to the air inlet (12a). The air supply assembly is configured to supply a flow of air to the downstream end (12b)
Implementation Method 4
a frothing unit (22) configured to froth the fluid/air-mixture to form frothed fluid
Implementation Method 5
a heater (24) configured to heat the frothed fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention comprises an assembly for frothing a fluid including an air channel that includes an air inlet, a downstream end and a controllable air supply assembly. The assembly also comprises a fluid channel extending from a fluid inlet to an fluid outlet. The fluid channel subsequently includes a first temperature sensor that is positioned near the fluid inlet, an air inlet emanation point that is connected to the downstream end of the air channel, a frothing unit, a heater and an electronic controller assembly. The electronic controller assembly is configured for receiving the temperature input from the first temperature sensor and regulating the amount of air that is channeled to the fluid channel based on a temperature input received from the first temperature sensor. The invention also comprises a refrigerator including the assembly. The invention furthermore comprises a method for frothing a fluid.