Gas Infusion Module Homogenization and Pressure Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for infusing gas into non-carbonated beverages like coffee, tea, or juice face issues such as inconsistent pouring due to pressure and thermal variations, complexity, and difficulty in cleaning, especially when dealing with products containing solids, and fail to provide adequate aeration and sanitization.
Innovation Solution
A compact gas infusion module with a homogenization element, gas and liquid inlet assemblies, and check valves that adjust gas pressure and prevent backflow, ensuring efficient mixing and aeration while being easy to clean and maintain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a membrane is used for gas infusion, then gas permeation into liquid is achieved, but the physical size of the module becomes large and pressure balance becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous tube structure with controlled porosity to enable gas permeation. The porous material allows gas to pass through while maintaining a compact form factor, resolving the contradiction between achieving adequate gas permeation and keeping the module size manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts key parameters including pore size distribution, tube dimensions, and operating pressure to optimize the balance between gas infusion effectiveness and module compactness. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves reliable gas permeation in a smaller footprint.
2Productivity
If pressurized gas is forced into liquid through a porous tube, then gas infusion is achieved, but cleaning becomes problematic when solids are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the infusion system into separable components, including removable tubes and modular sections. This segmentation allows easy disassembly for thorough cleaning, addressing the cleaning accessibility issue while maintaining gas infusion efficiency through optimized component design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the porous infusion element as a separate, removable component that can be easily removed and cleaned independently. This extraction approach allows complete cleaning of the gas-liquid interface area without disassembling the entire system, resolving the contradiction between maintaining infusion efficiency and enabling easy cleaning.
3Ease of operation
If a pilot valve is used for nitrogen control, then nitrogen pulsing is achieved, but the system becomes complex with moving parts that may fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pilot valve system with a simpler control mechanism that uses fluid dynamics and pressure differential principles. This substitution eliminates complex moving parts while maintaining the ability to control nitrogen pulsing, thereby reducing device complexity and potential failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the nitrogen control system to automatically regulate flow based on pressure differential and fluid dynamics principles, without requiring complex external control mechanisms. The system self-regulates the pulsing action through its inherent physical properties, eliminating the need for pilot valves and reducing overall system complexity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If Venturi principle is used for gas-liquid mixing, then mixing is achieved, but cleaning of internal surfaces becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mixing chamber into accessible sections with smooth transitions, eliminating dead zones and crevices where contaminants could accumulate. The segmented design maintains effective gas-liquid mixing while allowing complete cleaning solution contact with all internal surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a traditional Venturi configuration with difficult-to-reach internal surfaces, the patent inverts the approach by using a porous tube design where the mixing occurs at the tube surface. This inversion makes all mixing surfaces externally accessible and easily cleanable, while still achieving homogeneous gas-liquid mixing.
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 module provides consistent aeration, prevents contamination, and meets sanitization requirements, ensuring a cascading effect in beverages and easy maintenance without the need for dismantling.
Implementation Method 1
The gas pressure regulator is configured to adjust an input pressure of the gas as the gas enters the homogenization element
Implementation Method 2
a homogenization element including a chamber where the liquid and the gas are mixed to create the aerated beverage
Implementation Method 3
an outlet port configured to enhance homogenization of the gas and the liquid before the aerated beverage exits the chamber
Implementation Method 4
The module may include a liquid check valve connecting the liquid inlet port and the chamber, wherein the liquid check valve allows liquid to flow in one direction from the liquid inlet port into the chamber thereby preventing back flow into the liquid inlet port
Data Source
AI summary
According to one or exemplary embodiments, there is provided a Gas Infusion Module that is a compact, inexpensive, adjustable, and easy to clean apparatus for infusing a beverage, such as coffee or tea, with a gas. The Gas Infusion Module controls the mixing of the gas with a liquid beverage in a homogenization element. To achieve an enhanced homogenization of gas and liquid, first the Gas Infusion Module regulates the pressure of gas that will enter the homogenization element and mix with the liquid. Additionally, the liquid and gas mixture passes through an outlet check valve which forces greater homogenization of the aerated fluid before it is dispensed for consumption.