Gas Infuser Flow Path for Consistent Beverage Gas Volume

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas infusers lack the ability to consistently regulate gas volume in beverages independently of pressure fluctuations, leading to inconsistent gas infusion in beverages.

Innovation Solution

A gas infuser with a mixing chamber and a liquid injector, coupled with a gas-volume controller that uses a fitting and capillary tube or plug to create a circuitous path, allowing gas to flow independently of pressure fluctuations, ensuring consistent gas infusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If gas is supplied directly to the mixing chamber without flow control, then the gas infusion process is simple, but the gas volume cannot be regulated independently of pressure fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistency of gas infusionVSAvoidcomplexity of gas flow control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the gas flow path by creating a circuitous route through the liquid medium. This transforms the direct gas flow into a controlled flow that must pass through the liquid, thereby regulating gas volume independently of pressure fluctuations while maintaining infusion consistency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the liquid medium as an intermediary between the gas source and the mixing chamber. The gas must bubble through the liquid in the circuitous path, which acts as a flow regulator and stabilizer, ensuring consistent gas infusion regardless of pressure variations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a circuitous path is created through capillary tube or plug, then gas volume regulation independent of pressure fluctuations is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependence from pressure fluctuationsVSAvoidstructural complexity of gas-volume controller
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gas-volume controller is segmented into distinct functional components: the fitting, the capillary tube or plug, and the circuitous path structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function (flow restriction, path creation, liquid circulation) while maintaining overall system reliability and independence from pressure fluctuations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pneumatic-hydraulic principles by forcing gas to flow through a liquid medium in a circuitous path. The gas-liquid interaction in the capillary tube or plug creates a flow regulation mechanism that is inherently insensitive to pressure fluctuations, achieving reliable gas volume control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 gas infuser effectively regulates gas volume, providing consistent gas infusion in beverages by controlling the flow rate of gas through a circuitous path, independent of pressure fluctuations, enhancing the quality and consistency of gas-infused beverages.

Implementation Method 1

The capillary tube includes a coil and stems extending from opposing ends of the coil. One stem is positioned in an opening associated with the inlet of the fitting and the other stem is positioned in an opening associated with the outlet. The outlet is coupled to the mixing chamber.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP3749441B1Gas infuser for liquids
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 BUNN O MATIC CORP
  • EP3749441B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3749441B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3749441B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A gas infuser includes a mixing chamber and a liquid injector. Gas is supplied into the mixing chamber and liquid flows through openings of the injector to mix with the gas in the mixing chamber and form a gas-infused liquid.