Intelligent Gas Liquid Infusion System Level Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional liquid carbonator systems face challenges in maintaining consistent carbonation levels due to fluctuating pressure and temperature conditions, leading to unpredictable gas infusion levels and inability to adjust output in real-time, which affects beverage quality.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent gas/liquid absorption system with a controller and control algorithm that adjusts pump performance based on pressure and liquid level sensors to maintain target equilibrium pressure, allowing for adjustable and consistent gas infusion levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional liquid carbonator systems are used, then gas infusion can be achieved, but pressure fluctuations during filling cycles cause inconsistent carbonation levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarbonation consistencyVSAvoidpressure fluctuation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs pressure sensors to continuously monitor the pressure inside the carbonation tank and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller adjusts the pump operation based on this feedback to maintain stable pressure and consistent carbonation levels, resolving the issue of pressure fluctuations causing inconsistent carbonation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical float valves with an electronically controlled pump system. The pump is controlled by a controller that receives input from pressure sensors and liquid level sensors, enabling precise electronic control of liquid flow to maintain target pressure and eliminate the mechanical pressure fluctuations that occur with float valve systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If float valves are used to control liquid level, then simple level control is achieved, but pressure fluctuations occur during filling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol mechanism simplicityVSAvoidpressure stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical float valve system with an electronically controlled pump system. The pump is controlled by a controller that receives input from pressure sensors and liquid level sensors, enabling precise electronic control of liquid flow to maintain target pressure and eliminate the mechanical pressure fluctuations that occur with float valve systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional carbonator systems are used, then gas absorption can be achieved, but real-time adjustment of infusion levels is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput adjustabilityVSAvoidequilibrium stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables dynamic adjustment of carbonation levels by allowing the controller to modify pump operation in real-time based on desired infusion levels. The pump can be controlled to deliver different liquid flow rates, enabling the system to adapt to different beverage requirements and maintain the desired gas-liquid equilibrium for each specific application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows change in operating parameters such as liquid flow rate, gas pressure, and temperature to achieve different carbonation levels. The controller can adjust these parameters to match the specific requirements of different beverages, enabling real-time adaptation while maintaining equilibrium stability through coordinated control of all parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 precise control over gas infusion levels, ensuring consistent beverage quality and adaptability to variable input pressures, providing customizable carbonation for different beverages.

Implementation Method 1

The pump is controlled by a controller to deliver liquid from the tank to the beverage container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

CO2 gas, under pressure, dissolves in the water and the result is carbonated water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas dissolution: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

The output carbonation level produced is constant based on the equilibrium of the gas/liquid established at the temperature and pressure conditions of the system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS11266956B2Gas/liquid infusion system with intelligent level management and adjustable absorption output

Publication Date: 2022.03.08 FLOW CONTROL LLC

AI summary

A system features a controller having a signal processor configured to: receive signaling containing information about a liquid level of a gas infused liquid in a liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel, one or more gas input characteristics of a gas provided to the liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel, and one or more liquid input characteristics of an incoming non-infused liquid provided to the liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel; and determine corresponding signaling containing information to control a pump that provides the incoming non-infused liquid to the infusion tank/vessel on demand each time a beverage is dispensed with the gas infused liquid from the liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel and to maintain a desired liquid level and target equilibrium gas pressure in the liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel at a given temperature.