Nozzle With Isolation Porting For Beverage Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beverage dispensing systems that use a single discharge nozzle for multiple beverages face issues of cross-contamination, color carry-over, and inadequate mixing due to the viscosity of beverage additives, leading to inconsistent and undesirable beverage quality.
Innovation Solution
A beverage dispensing system comprising a diffuser block, transition plate, and external port nozzle that allows for separate and non-mixed dispensing of post-mix and non-mix beverages through distinct outlet ports, preventing cross-contamination and ensuring adequate mixing of beverage additives and base fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple beverage dispensing devices are used to dispense different beverages, then cross-contamination between beverages is prevented, but the device occupies valuable floor space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple beverage dispensing functions into a single nozzle assembly. The diffuser block contains multiple fluid channels that can dispense different beverages through the same external port nozzle, merging what would traditionally require separate dispensing devices into one compact unit while maintaining beverage separation through dedicated channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The single nozzle assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by dispensing different types of beverages through the same external port. The diffuser block with multiple fluid channels enables the nozzle to handle various beverages sequentially or simultaneously, providing multi-functionality without requiring multiple separate dispensing devices.
2Area of stationary object
If a single discharge nozzle is used for multiple beverages, then floor space is reduced, but cross-contamination and color carry-over occur between beverages
Solution Approach 1:
The internal structure of the nozzle is segmented into multiple independent fluid channels within the diffuser block. Each channel is dedicated to a specific beverage type, creating physical separation that prevents cross-contamination. The segments converge at the external port for unified dispensing, maintaining both separation and consolidation benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser block acts as an intermediary component between the beverage supply lines and the external port nozzle. It provides a transition zone with dedicated channels for different beverages, preventing direct contact and cross-contamination while enabling single-nozzle dispensing of multiple beverage types.
3Stability of the object's composition
If beverage additive and base fluid are mixed within the nozzle, then beverage consistency is improved, but residual additive causes contamination of subsequent beverages
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the diffuser block have different functions: some channels are designed for mixing beverage additives with base fluids to ensure consistency, while other channels maintain separate pathways for beverages that should not be mixed. This local differentiation of mixing behavior prevents cross-contamination while maintaining where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a beverage dispensing system for dispensing a non-mixed fluid along with a post-mix fluid. The post-mix fluid is formed by mixing a base beverage with at least one beverage additive. For example, the beverage dispensing system may dispense a post-mix fluid (e.g. cola) and a non-mixed fluid (e.g. spirits) separately. In some embodiments, the post-mix fluid may be dispensed simultaneously with the non-mixed fluid from separate fluid outlet ports. In other embodiments, the post-mix fluid may be dispensed from a first fluid outlet port and, subsequently, the non-mixed fluid may be dispensed from a second fluid outlet port.