Nitrogen Infusing Apparatus with Agitator and Baffles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for nitrogenizing beverages like cold brew coffee are limited, requiring specialized taps and infusing nitrogen before distribution, which restricts post-dispensing nitrogenization and efficient gas control.
Innovation Solution
A novel apparatus with a container, baffles, and an agitator that infuses gaseous nitrogen from a source into a beverage, using a controlled port and motor-driven agitator to prevent vortex formation and ambient air infusion, allowing for optimal nitrogenization post-dispensing without specialized equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If nitrogen is infused before distribution using prior methods, then the beverage can be nitrogenized, but specialized taps and pre-infusion equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The faucet is designed to perform multiple functions: it can dispense beverages without nitrogen infusion using conventional methods, and it can also perform nitrogen infusion directly at the point of dispensing. The mixing chamber and gas delivery system are integrated into the standard faucet structure, allowing the same device to serve both conventional and nitrogenized beverage dispensing needs.
Solution Approach 2:
A mixing chamber is introduced as an intermediary component between the gas delivery system and the beverage dispensing path. This mixing chamber receives nitrogen gas through a gas delivery tube and facilitates the infusion of nitrogen into the beverage just before dispensing, without requiring pre-infusion equipment or specialized taps.
2Productivity
If a motor-driven agitator is used to infuse nitrogen, then nitrogenization efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The agitator is merged with the gas delivery system, where the agitator shaft also serves as the gas delivery tube. The gas delivery tube is positioned centrally within the mixing chamber and extends along the axis of rotation of the agitator, combining the functions of gas delivery and liquid agitation into a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
Nitrogen gas is delivered through the central gas delivery tube to the liquid in the mixing chamber. The gas flows through the liquid, and the motor-driven rotation of the gas delivery tube creates agitation that enhances the infusion of nitrogen into the beverage, utilizing fluid dynamics to improve mixing efficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If baffles are added to prevent vortex formation, then ambient air infusion is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Baffles are strategically positioned at specific locations within the mixing chamber to prevent vortex formation and ambient air contamination. The baffles are arranged to intercept rotational flow patterns without interfering with the central gas delivery tube or the overall mixing process, applying localized structural modifications to achieve the desired flow control.
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
The apparatus effectively infuses nitrogen into beverages, enhancing their visual and taste appeal by creating a creamy, sweeter texture without introducing oxygen or carbon dioxide, and allowing for easy control of agitation and gas delivery.
Implementation Method 1
A motor is provided to turn the shaft of the agitator... The agitator may take the form of a shaft which extends into the chamber of the container to create a shearing force on the beverage within the chamber of the container
Implementation Method 2
The agitator may take the form of a shaft which extends into the chamber of the container to create a shearing force on the beverage within the chamber of the container
Implementation Method 3
The apparatus further includes a multiplicity of baffles within the container to restrict vortex formation during agitation of the liquid and to prevent drawing of ambient air into the container
Implementation Method 4
A port is provided to deliver the gaseous nitrogen from the source to the chamber of the container
Implementation Method 5
an apparatus for the infusion of nitrogen into a beverage and the production of near microscopic bubbles to produce a drink which exhibits superior flavor and visual appeal
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for nitrogenizing a beverage utilizing a container having a chamber with a plurality of baffles. The container also includes a gas controller regulator in the form of a collapsible orifice at the base of the container. An agitator in the form of a rotating shaft creates a shear on the beverage during delivery of a stream of nitrogen gas into the container.