Inflatable Enclosure Paste Extraction for Fresh Plant-Based Milk

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in producing fresh, preservative-free plant-based milk on demand, while avoiding the need for refrigerated transportation and addressing the perishability issues associated with commercial processing.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for mixing water with plant-based paste to create fresh plant-based milk, utilizing a tabletop machine that extracts the paste from a flexible pouch using inflatable enclosures or mechanical pressure, allowing for on-demand production and eliminating the need for refrigerated transportation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If plant-based paste is commercially processed with various liquids (e.g., water) to create plant-based milk, then the product becomes perishable and requires refrigeration, but this increases transportation costs and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct freshnessVSAvoidrefrigerated transportation requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-coating the interior surface of the mixing chamber with oil before adding water and paste. This pre-prepared coating prevents perishability issues by creating a protective barrier that allows the product to remain stable without refrigeration during transportation and storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the problematic element (water-based perishable mixture) and replaces it with an oil-based system. By coating the chamber with oil and using oil-based paste, the system eliminates the need for refrigerated transportation while maintaining product freshness and quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Stability of the object's composition

If plant-based paste is stored at room temperature, then it remains stable, but once mixed with water it becomes highly perishable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaste stabilityVSAvoidmixed product perishability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the fundamental parameter of the mixing medium from water-based to oil-based. By coating the chamber with oil and using oil-based paste, the mixture remains stable at room temperature without becoming perishable, as oil-based systems do not support the same microbial growth as water-based systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Oil serves as an intermediary substance that prevents direct contact between the paste and water/perishable environment. The oil coating on the chamber walls and the oil-based nature of the paste create a barrier that maintains stability while allowing mixing to occur at room temperature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If commercial plant-based milk uses high heat processing (e.g., 135°C), then the product achieves commercial shelf life, but this causes degradation in flavor, color, and smell

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshelf lifeVSAvoidflavor and color degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the processing parameter from high heat (135°C) to room temperature mixing. By using oil-based paste and coating the chamber with oil, the product achieves stability and extended shelf life without requiring high-heat processing, thereby preserving natural flavor, color, and aromatic properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If plant-based milk is made with water-based ingredients, then the product appeals to consumers, but it requires refrigerated transportation and storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsumer appealVSAvoidrefrigeration energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the base medium from water to oil. By using oil-based paste and coating the mixing chamber with oil, the product maintains consumer appeal through creamy texture and rich flavor while eliminating the need for refrigerated transportation and storage, thereby reducing energy consumption.

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

This approach enables the production of fresh plant-based milk on demand, reducing waste and transportation costs, while ensuring the product remains fresh and free from preservatives.

Implementation Method 1

an air compressor for controlling airflow into the flexible enclosure to result in a first target pressure within the flexible enclosure, the first pressure resulting in a rupture of the sealed nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12209007B2System and method for dispensing a food and beverage product

Publication Date: 2025.01.28 PLANT TAP LLC

AI summary

A system for extracting a paste from a flexible pouch having a sealed nozzle includes an inflatable flexible enclosure adjacent to the pouch and an air compressor for controlling airflow into the flexible enclosure. The air compressor provides a first target pressure within the flexible enclosure, the first pressure resulting in a rupture of the sealed nozzle, and a second target pressure within the flexible enclosure. Further, the system includes a timer for measuring a target time for completing the extraction of the paste from the flexible pouch.