Foamable Material Delivery System with Segmented Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for delivering foamable and flowable food materials, such as whipped cream and cheese toppings, are not designed for direct consumption and are inconvenient for use, requiring uncomfortable bodily contortions and risking leakage or loss of propellant, making them unsuitable for consumption on-the-go or during activities like driving or exercising.
Innovation Solution
A container system with a built-in mechanism to convert non-foamed or non-flowable materials into foamed or flowable states, allowing for direct delivery to the consumer, featuring a container with separate compartments for the material and a foaming/propelling agent, and a controlled release conduit to regulate the intermixing and expulsion of the agents, enabling optimal foaming and flowability upon use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If foamable materials are stored under pressure in a rigid canister with a minimally configured release valve, then the material can be dispensed, but the valve allows incorrect operation causing propellant depletion and rendering contents inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The canister is divided into separate compartments: a first compartment for the foamable material and a second compartment for the propellant. This segmentation prevents direct contact between the propellant and the release valve mechanism, eliminating the risk of incorrect operation depleting the propellant. The compartments are separated by a partition that allows controlled interaction only through designated pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable platform acts as an intermediary between the propellant compartment and the foamable material compartment. The platform transmits propellant pressure to dispense the material without requiring the propellant to directly contact the release valve. This intermediary mechanism ensures that even if the valve is misoperated, the propellant remains contained and functional.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the canister seal is compromised during use or storage, then the compressed gas may leave the cream formulation, but the propellant leaks out or is released making the foamed material defoamed and unpleasant
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the propellant and foamable material into different compartments, the system tolerates seal compromises better. If the seal between compartments is compromised, the propellant remains contained in its own compartment and cannot escape to cause defoaming. The partition acts as a protective barrier that maintains system functionality even when external seals degrade.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition and controlled interaction pathways are designed beforehand to prevent propellant escape in case of seal failure. This preventive design cushions against the harmful effects of seal compromise by ensuring the propellant can never directly contact and escape with the foamable material, even under compromised conditions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional foamable materials require at least 30% fat content to form a matrix for trapping bubbles, then a colloid material can be produced, but the material is not suitable for direct consumption and requires application to food items
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the compositional parameters of the foamable material from traditional high-fat formulations to alternative formulations with at least 10% non-fat solids. This parameter change enables colloid formation and bubble trapping without requiring 30% fat content, creating a material stable enough for foaming but also suitable for direct consumption as a beverage or food product.
Solution Approach 2:
The foamable material is designed to serve multiple functions: it can form stable colloids for foaming, it is suitable for direct consumption as a beverage or food, and it can be dispensed in controlled amounts. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for application to separate food items, allowing direct consumption while maintaining colloid stability.
4Ease of operation
If a movable platform separates the propellant and material compartments, then the propellant can exert positive pressure to push material out, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The movable platform is integrated directly into the partition wall between compartments, merging the separation function and the pressure transmission function into a single structural element. This integration reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate movable components while still enabling effective propellant pressure transmission for material delivery.
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
Enables convenient, efficient, and safe direct consumption of foamable and flowable materials by maintaining optimal foaming and flowability, reducing waste and improving user experience during various activities, while ensuring proper delivery and minimizing leakage or loss of propellant.
Implementation Method 1
a foaming mechanism including a foaming agent that is configured for converting the ingestible substance from a non-foamed state to a foamed state
Implementation Method 2
a propelling mechanism that is coupled with the first cavity so as to generate a pressure against the movable portion of the first cavity sufficient to propel the ingestible substance from the first cavity
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes devices, systems, and methods for the production and/or delivery of a foamable and/or flowable material for consumption, such as by direct application to a consumer, such as directly to the mouth of the consumer. A device and/or system for converting a material from a first, unfoamed state to a second, foamed state is provided, and a device and/or system for converting a material from a first, non or semi-flowable state to a second, flowable state is provided.