Liquid nitrogen dispenser for frozen treats

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Solution Overview

Problem

Liquid nitrogen is hazardous and difficult to handle safely, especially in kitchen environments, due to its extreme cold temperature and colorless, odorless, tasteless nature, requiring skill and experience for proper use in freezing desserts like ice cream and frozen yogurt.

Innovation Solution

A liquid nitrogen dispenser with an anodized cover, mount, dispensing tube, primary flow valve, phase separator, and automated actuators that enclose and control the flow of liquid nitrogen, preventing direct user contact with extreme temperatures and allowing safe and efficient dispensing onto food.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If liquid nitrogen is used directly for freezing desserts, then freezing efficiency and quality are improved, but safety hazards and handling difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreezing efficiencyVSAvoidsafety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary device (dispenser system with insulated hose and controlled valve) between the liquid nitrogen source and the user/food. This intermediary contains the extreme cold within insulated pathways and provides controlled dispensing, maintaining freezing efficiency while eliminating direct contact hazards and preventing uncontrolled spraying.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual handling of liquid nitrogen with an automated control system featuring a valve mechanism and insulated dispensing apparatus. This substitution eliminates the need for user skill and experience in managing liquid nitrogen flow, while maintaining precise control over the freezing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If liquid nitrogen is dispensed manually, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to skill requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidskill requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser system is designed to be self-regulating through its valve mechanism and insulated pathways, automatically managing liquid nitrogen flow and containment without requiring user intervention or skill. The system serves itself by maintaining proper flow control and temperature management through its inherent design features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If liquid nitrogen flow is uncontrolled, then dispensing speed is increased, but reliability deteriorates due to safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing speedVSAvoidsafety control

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control through a valve mechanism that regulates liquid nitrogen flow rate. The valve allows adjustment of dispensing speed while maintaining reliable safety control, enabling the system to adapt flow rates to different operational needs without compromising safety or creating uncontrolled spraying.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 safe and efficient dispensing of liquid nitrogen for freezing desserts without requiring extensive training, protecting users from frostbite and eye damage, while ensuring consistent and controlled delivery of liquid nitrogen for creamy and denser frozen treats.

Implementation Method 1

Liquid nitrogen-frozen desserts such as ice cream and frozen yogurt typically taste better because the ice cream and frozen yogurt are creamier, fresher, and denser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

Liquid nitrogen is extremely cold and can cause frostbite or eye damage. As liquid nitrogen is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, identifying the presence of liquid nitrogen that has exited the liquid nitrogen tank can be quite difficult

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS10398153B2Liquid nitrogen dispenser for frozen treats

Publication Date: 2019.09.03 VAPOR FINANCE LLC

AI summary

A liquid nitrogen dispenser for frozen treats comprises an anodized mount, an anodized cover attached onto the anodized mount, an inlet integrated into the anodized cover, an outlet integrated into the anodized cover, a dispensing tube, a primary flow valve mounted in between the anodized cover and the anodized mount and in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet, a phase separator externally mounted to the anodized cover and in fluid communication with the outlet by the dispensing tube, an access hole traversing through the anodized cover, an annular gasket penetrating the access hole and peripherally pressed against the anodized cover and an insulating layer positioned around the primary flow valve, mounted across the anodized cover and pressed in between the anodized cover and the annular gasket.