Gas Backfilled Concentrate Container Vacuum Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current micro-ingredient pouches in beverage dispensers are made of non-recyclable materials, are expensive, and can form vacuums during dispensing, which can lead to inefficient operation and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A beverage dispensing system using semi-rigid plastic containers with a gas backfill system that introduces carbon dioxide to prevent vacuum buildup, combined with a concentrate container tray design for secure and efficient dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If micro-ingredient pouches are used in beverage dispensers, then the pouches collapse as micro-ingredients are dispensed to prevent vacuum formation, but the pouches are made of non-recyclable materials and are expensive to produce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the backfill material from liquid (traditional) to gas (carbon dioxide), which provides vacuum prevention while being recyclable and cost-effective. The gas backfill system introduces carbon dioxide into the container to counteract vacuum formation, replacing the need for expensive non-recyclable pouches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a gas backfill system that introduces carbon dioxide gas into the container to prevent vacuum formation. This pneumatic approach replaces the mechanical collapse of flexible pouches with a gas pressure balance system, achieving the same vacuum prevention function with recyclable materials
2Productivity
If a gas backfill system is implemented to prevent vacuum buildup, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carbon dioxide system serves multiple functions: it prevents vacuum formation during dispensing, provides agitation to maintain micro-ingredient suspension, and can be integrated with existing carbonated beverage systems. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single system
Solution Approach 2:
The gas backfill system uses carbon dioxide that is already present in the beverage system, allowing the system to self-regulate pressure and prevent vacuum formation without requiring external intervention. The dissolved CO2 in the beverage naturally provides backpressure during dispensing
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 system prevents vacuum formation, allows for efficient dispensing, reduces material costs, and utilizes recyclable PET materials, enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
A gas backfill system in communication with the container provides a gas to the container as the fluid is pumped from the container to prevent a buildup of a vacuum therein
Implementation Method 2
The method may include the steps of placing the container in communication with a vacuum regulator valve and a gas source, pumping the fluid from the container, opening the vacuum regulator valve when a predetermined vacuum develops in the container
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a beverage dispensing system for dispensing a fluid. The beverage dispensing system may include a nozzle, a container having semi-rigid plastic walls with the fluid therein, a pump for pumping the fluid from the container to the nozzle, and a gas backfill system in communication with the container. The gas backfill system provides a gas to the container as the fluid is pumped from the container to prevent a buildup of a vacuum therein.