Method and device for dispensing a beverage enriched with a gas from a compressed gas tank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for dispensing gas-enriched coffee beverages, such as Nitro Cold Brew Coffee, require dedicated and space-consuming equipment, making integration into conventional fully automatic coffee machines impractical.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that convey a beverage from a storage container using a pump, reducing gas pressure to near ambient levels and introducing it into the beverage on the suction side, allowing for gas enrichment within the pump, enabling integration into existing coffee machines and allowing for adjustable gas metering and mixing to achieve a creamy or foamy consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated gas-enriched beverage dispensing equipment is used, then gas enrichment capability is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gas enrichment function with the existing beverage dispensing pump by introducing gas into the suction line, merging two functions (beverage delivery and gas enrichment) into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate dedicated equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The beverage pump is made multi-functional by enabling it to both deliver beverages and enrich them with gas simultaneously, allowing the same device to perform multiple functions that previously required separate specialized equipment
2Productivity
If high-pressure gas is directly injected into the beverage, then gas enrichment is efficient, but beverage quality and mixing uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The gas pressure is reduced to near-ambient levels before the beverage reaches the pump, performing the pressure adjustment in advance so that gas can be gently mixed into the beverage during pumping without disrupting beverage quality or creating excessive foam
Solution Approach 2:
The pump acts as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates gentle mixing of gas and beverage at low pressure, mediating between the gas supply and beverage flow to achieve uniform enrichment without direct high-pressure injection
3Manufacturing precision
If gas pressure is reduced to near ambient levels, then beverage quality is maintained, but gas enrichment speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas enrichment occurs continuously during the beverage pumping process rather than as a separate step, maintaining continuous useful action where the pump simultaneously delivers beverage and enriches it with gas, compensating for lower pressure with extended interaction time
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 the space-efficient and cost-effective dispensing of gas-enriched coffee beverages, including cold-brew coffee, on conventional coffee machines, with adjustable consistency and the ability to add other additives, enhancing the beverage experience.
Implementation Method 1
the gas is depressurized to a pressure close to ambient pressure, in particular less than 0.5 bar, more preferably less than 100 mbar, and most preferably less than 50 mbar above ambient pressure
Implementation Method 2
the beverage is pumped from a storage container
Implementation Method 3
the gas is introduced into the beverage on the suction side of the pump to the beverage being drawn in
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
In a method for dispensing a beverage in which a gas from a gas pressure vessel in which the gas is stored under pressure is added to the beverage, it is provided that the beverage is pumped from a storage container 2 by means of a pump 3 and that the gas is expanded to a pressure close to ambient pressure, in particular less than 0.5 bar, more preferably less than 100 mbar above ambient pressure, and supplied to the suction side of the pump to the beverage being drawn in.