Optical Carbonation Sensing for Precise Beverage CO2 Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbonation devices lack sensors to accurately measure and control the carbonation degree of beverages, particularly due to the influence of factors like pressure, temperature, and bubble formation, which affect the perception and stability of carbonated beverages.
Innovation Solution
A carbonation device equipped with a carbonation sensor that uses photodiodes to detect carbon dioxide bubbles and regulate carbon dioxide and beverage flow based on electrical signals, allowing for real-time adjustment of carbonation levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If carbonation degree is controlled by regulating carbon dioxide pressure in the carbonation tank, then the carbonation process is simple, but the carbonation degree cannot be accurately controlled due to downstream pressure variations and bubble formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback control system where a sensor detects the actual carbonation degree of the dispensed beverage and sends signals to a control unit that adjusts the carbon dioxide pressure in the carbonation tank. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining process simplicity while achieving accurate carbonation degree control through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical pressure regulation with an optical sensing system using photodiodes that detect carbon dioxide bubbles. This substitution allows for precise measurement of carbonation degree without complex mechanical pressure control mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between simple manufacturing and precise control.
2Measurement precision
If photodiodes are used to detect carbon dioxide bubbles, then carbonation degree measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential detection function by using simple photodiodes that detect light scattering from carbon dioxide bubbles. By taking out only the necessary sensing capability and eliminating complex sensor systems, the patent achieves high measurement precision while keeping the device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive photodiodes instead of complex, expensive sensors. These simple optical sensors provide sufficient measurement precision for carbonation degree detection while being cost-effective and easy to replace if needed, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If carbonated beverage is kept at room pressure for longer time, then carbon dioxide release and bubble formation increase, but carbonation degree stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control where the sensor continuously monitors the carbonation degree of the dispensed beverage and the control unit adjusts the carbon dioxide pressure in real-time. This feedback mechanism compensates for carbon dioxide release and maintains carbonation degree stability even when the beverage is kept at room pressure for extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of carbon dioxide pressure based on real-time carbonation degree measurements. Instead of static pressure control, the system dynamically adapts the carbonation parameters to maintain stability, resolving the contradiction between carbon dioxide release and carbonation stability.
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 precise control and measurement of carbonation degree, ensuring stability and repeatability of beverage carbonation, while being cost-effective and suitable for both industrial and home use.
Implementation Method 1
a carbonation sensor (100) associated with said duct (7), said carbonation sensor (100) comprising: a radiation source (101) adapted to generate a radiation (103) which strikes said duct (7) along an irradiation direction (R) incident to said flow direction (S); a first photodiode (105) placed on said irradiation direction (R) from a side opposite to the radiation source (101) with respect to the duct (7), said first photodiode (105) generating a first electrical signal (106) dependent on the radiation portion (107) which passes through the carbonated beverage which flows along said duct (7)
Data Source
AI summary
A carbonation device for beverages includes a carbonation tank to receive a beverage to be carbonated and carbon dioxide so as to generate a carbonated beverage, carbonated with the carbon dioxide, and a dispensing device in fluid communication with the carbonation tank to dispense, through a duct, the carbonated beverage to a container for carbonated beverages, the carbonated beverage flowing along the duct in a flow direction.The carbonation device further includes a carbonation sensor associated with the duct and having a radiation source to generate a radiation which strikes the duct along an irradiation direction incident to the flow direction.The carbonation sensor also includes a first photodiode placed on the irradiation direction from a side opposite to the radiation source with respect to the duct, or as an alternative, a second photodiode placed along a diffusion direction substantially orthogonal to the irradiation direction.