Multi-Nozzle In-Cup Beverage Mixing for Uniform Concentrate Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation devices fail to fully dissolve beverage concentrates, leading to non-uniform and uninviting beverages due to residual concentrate and varying taste, especially in hot beverages like tea or coffee, where consistent concentration is desired.
Innovation Solution
A device with a plate member featuring outlet nozzles arranged at different angles to direct fluid jets both to the bottom and side walls of a receptacle, ensuring thorough dissolution of the concentrate without sticking, and optionally including a coffee mixing chamber for separate preparation of coffee and milk components, allowing for adjustable pressure and foam control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If beverage concentrate is introduced into a receptacle and mixed with liquid using conventional dispensing, then the beverage preparation process is simple, but the concentrate is not fully dissolved leading to non-uniform appearance and varying taste
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage preparation system is segmented into multiple independent nozzle units (at least four nozzles) that can be independently controlled to direct fluid jets to different locations within the receptacle. This segmentation allows targeted dissolution of concentrate in specific areas, ensuring complete and uniform mixing while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different nozzles are configured with different orientations and喷射 characteristics to address local dissolution needs. Some nozzles direct jets to the bottom of the receptacle while others target side wall areas where concentrate may accumulate. This local quality approach ensures thorough dissolution throughout the entire receptacle volume, achieving uniform beverage concentration.
2Productivity
If concentrate is provided to the receptacle, then beverage preparation is efficient, but parts of the concentrate stick to the inner side walls and cannot be fully dissolved
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle system is divided into multiple segments with different functions: nozzles positioned to jet fluid to the bottom of the receptacle and separate nozzles positioned to jet fluid to the inner side walls. This segmentation allows simultaneous addressing of both bulk dissolution and side wall residue removal, ensuring complete dissolution without compromising preparation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid jet from the nozzles acts as an intermediary medium that transfers momentum and energy to the concentrate particles. By directing jets to both bottom and side wall areas, the fluid intermediary ensures all concentrate particles are entrained and dissolved, preventing sticking while maintaining efficient preparation.
3Device complexity
If conventional single-point dispensing is used, then the device structure is simple, but the beverage concentrate does not dissolve uniformly leading to residua present in the prepared beverage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single dispensing point, the system uses at least four nozzles segmented into different functional groups. Some nozzles are oriented to jet fluid to the bottom of the receptacle while others are oriented to jet fluid to the inner side walls. This segmentation creates multiple dissolution zones that overlap to ensure complete and uniform beverage homogeneity.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle system transitions from conventional single-point (zero-dimensional) or line (one-dimensional) dispensing to a three-dimensional distributed nozzle arrangement. Nozzles are positioned and oriented in different spatial dimensions to jet fluid to different locations (bottom and side walls) within the receptacle, achieving comprehensive coverage and uniform dissolution.
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 efficient, quick, and uniform dissolution of beverage concentrates, producing beverages with attractive appearance and adjustable foam quality, ensuring consistent taste and preparation of complex drinks like cappuccinos and lattes in a short time.
Implementation Method 1
at least two of the outlet nozzles are designed to direct a fluid jet to an inner side wall of the receptacle and said outlet nozzles are arranged in the plate member at different angles (α) with respect the vertical, and wherein at least two of the outlet nozzles are designed to direct a fluid jet to the bottom of the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention proposes a beverage production device for preparing a beverage from a beverage concentrate contained in a receptacle, comprising a support means (1) for supporting the receptacle (13), a plate member (2) arranged vertically to the support means, the plate member (2) comprising at least four outlet nozzles (4) for injecting a fluid jet (A) into the receptacle (13), liquid supply means (6) connected to the outlet nozzles (4), wherein at least two of the outlet nozzles (4) are designed to direct a fluid jet (A3, A4) to an inner side wall (13b) of the receptacle (13) and said outlet nozzles (4) are arranged at different angles (a) with respect the vertical, and wherein at least two of the outlet nozzles (4) are designed to direct a fluid jet (A1, A2) to the bottom of the receptacle (13a) and said outlet nozzles (4) are arranged at different angles (β) with respect to the vertical.