Integrated Foam Detector with Embedded Cooling Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beer dispensing systems face challenges with foam detection devices that are difficult to install, require complex tubing arrangements, and consume significant time and resources for cleaning, leading to system downtime and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A foam detection device with a chamber body having distinct fluid inlet and outlet ends, a U- or S-shaped fluid flow path, and integrated cooling fluid paths, facilitating easier installation and reducing the need for additional tubing, while maintaining effective foam detection and cooling capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional FOB detector is installed in the beer dispensing system, then foam detection capability is provided, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase due to complex tubing arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid flow path and cooling fluid path into a single integrated chamber body structure. The cooling channels are embedded within the chamber walls, eliminating the need for separate external tubing arrangements. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining both foam detection and cooling capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the foam detection chamber, provides cooling through integrated channels, and guides fluid flow from inlet to outlet. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components and reduces overall system complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If regular cleaning of the beer dispensing system is performed, then contamination prevention is achieved, but the loss of time and system downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated cooling channels enable continuous cooling of the beer during dispensing operations. The system maintains proper beer temperature without interruption, allowing cleaning operations to be performed more efficiently and reducing the time the system remains out of service.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling function operates continuously throughout the dispensing process, maintaining beer quality and temperature consistency. This continuous operation ensures that the beer remains in optimal condition even during transition periods, reducing the impact of cleaning operations on overall system productivity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a cooled FOB detector is used to address microbial growth, then contamination resistance is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is merged directly into the chamber body structure through integrated cooling channels. This eliminates the need for separate external cooling systems and complex tubing arrangements, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective cooling for microbial growth prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber body is designed as a composite structure with integrated cooling channels embedded within the walls. This composite design combines the structural function of the chamber with the thermal regulation function, creating a unified component that reduces overall system complexity.
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 device simplifies installation, reduces installation confusion, minimizes downtime, and enhances cooling efficiency, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing contamination risks in beer dispensing systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one cooling fluid flow path (331, 332) passing through the cavity (343) between the first end (301) and the second end (302)
Implementation Method 2
cooling fluid flow path (331, 332) passing through the cavity (343)
Data Source
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AI summary
A foam on beer (FOB) detector (300) is disclosed which comprises a chamber body (340), a fluid inlet (321), a fluid outlet (320), a fluid flow path passing from the inlet (321) to the outlet (320), and a flow path interrupter (360). The fluid inlet (321) is disposed at the first end (341) of the chamber body (340), and arranged so as to guide flow into the chamber body (340) in an axial direction, and the fluid outlet (320) is disposed at the second end (342) of the chamber body, and configured to guide flow out of the chamber body (340) in the axial direction.