Multi-Plane Foaming Nozzle for Stable Antibacterial Milk Foam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foam devices, such as those described in DE 10 2008 058 934 A1 and DE 10 2005 060 181 A1, produce high-quality foam but lack improved longevity and antibacterial properties, particularly when frothing milk.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates an outlet nozzle with passages arranged in at least two planes spaced 1 to 4 millimeters apart, made of porous material, preferably with silver particles and activated carbon, which enhances foam quality and antibacterial properties, and can be produced from environmentally friendly materials like thermoplastic starch or sugar-based plastics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sieve with multiple layers is used to destroy large air bubbles and create small air bubbles, then foam quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet nozzle is divided into multiple functional zones with passages arranged in at least two different planes, creating segmented flow paths that progressively break down large air bubbles into smaller ones without requiring multiple separate sieve layers
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the bubble destruction function and the foam output function into a single integrated outlet nozzle structure, merging what would traditionally require separate sieve components into one unified element with multi-plane passages
2Reliability
If the porous element is made from conventional materials, then manufacturing is easier, but antibacterial properties are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet nozzle is made from a composite material comprising a porous polymer matrix combined with antibacterial agents (silver particles, zinc oxide, or copper particles), integrating both structural and antibacterial functions into a single manufacturable component
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes a porous polymer structure that allows for the incorporation of antibacterial particles within the matrix while maintaining the necessary flow characteristics for foam generation, with pore sizes ranging from 10 to 500 micrometers
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the element is made from non-biodegradable materials, then durability is improved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from conventional non-biodegradable plastics to biodegradable polymers (polylactic acid, polyhydroxybutyrate, starch-based plastics) that maintain sufficient service life for their intended use while providing environmental benefits after disposal
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet nozzle is designed as a disposable component made from biodegradable materials, intended to be replaced periodically and ultimately decomposed in the environment, eliminating the need for complex recycling or disposal systems
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 configuration results in a high-quality, long-lasting foam with enhanced antibacterial properties, particularly suitable for frothing milk, and allows for environmentally friendly disposal of the porous element.
Implementation Method 1
The outlet nozzle (5) has an element (7) which has passages (5.2) which are arranged in at least two planes arranged one behind the other in the direction of flow of the liquid and through which the foamed liquid is conducted
Implementation Method 2
The porous element preferably contains a porous material and silver particles. The silver particles can be arranged on the surface of the porous material, in particular in the pores. This results in a porous element with good antibacterial properties.
Implementation Method 3
The porous element contains activated carbon. The silver particles can adhere better to the porous material via the activated carbon, in particular if the porous material is a plastic.
Implementation Method 4
The element can then be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner after use, because the lactic acid bacteria of the milk froth remaining in and/or on the element after use will biologically decompose the element.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
A device for foaming a liquid, with an air enrichment element (6), by means of which the liquid can be permeated with air, and an outlet nozzle (5), from which the liquid permeated with air exits, is characterized in that the outlet nozzle (5). Element (7; 5.1) which has passages (5.2) which are arranged in at least two planes (5.3, 5.4) arranged one behind the other at a distance (5.5) in the direction of flow of the liquid.