In solution phase change pressurizing apparatus and method of manufacture / use thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of nitrous oxide in food preparation and other applications poses environmental concerns due to its high global warming potential and persistence in the atmosphere, as well as its potential for abuse.
Innovation Solution
A pressure packing apparatus and method that involves placing a product component, such as cream, into a container and introducing an expansion agent like nitrous oxide in a liquid or solid form. The container is then sealed and the expansion agent undergoes a phase change to form gas bubbles, reducing the amount of nitrous oxide required while maintaining product characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If nitrous oxide is used as an expansion agent in whipped cream preparation, then the aeration, volume, and texture of the product are improved, but the environmental harm increases due to high global warming potential and atmospheric persistence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of nitrous oxide from gas to liquid or solid form during packaging, allowing it to be contained and controlled. This parameter change enables the substance to serve its functional purpose while reducing uncontrolled emissions to the atmosphere.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of nitrous oxide, introducing it in liquid or solid form that converts to gas bubbles during use. This controlled phase transition occurs within the sealed container, maintaining product characteristics while preventing premature release to the environment.
2Loss of substance
If nitrous oxide is introduced in liquid or solid form and sealed in a container, then the amount of nitrous oxide required is reduced and emissions are minimized, but the device complexity increases due to the pressure packing apparatus requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by introducing nitrous oxide in liquid or solid form and sealing it in the container before use. This advance preparation ensures the substance is contained and ready for controlled phase transition, preventing loss and reducing the need for complex containment systems during storage and transport.
3Reliability
If nitrous oxide is used to achieve analgesic effects, then the pain relief benefit is obtained, but the substance becomes more accessible for abuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes nitrous oxide to liquid or solid form with controlled vapor pressure, maintaining the analgesic effect when properly used but reducing accessibility for abuse. The controlled physical state and containment requirements create barriers to misuse while preserving legitimate medical and culinary applications.
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 approach reduces nitrous oxide emissions and the amount required for food preparation, while maintaining the aeration, volume, flavor, and aroma profile of traditional methods, thus addressing environmental and abuse concerns.
Implementation Method 1
The container is then sealed and the expansion agent undergoes a phase change to form gas bubbles
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a method and apparatus for infusing a product component, comprising the steps of: placing the product component into a container; positioning into the product component an expansion agent, the expansion agent comprising at least one of a liquid form and a solid form; pressure sealing the container; forming, through a phase change of the expansion agent, gas bubbles of the expansion agent in the product component; and forming a gas phase propellant of the expansion agent in the container, where the product component is permeated with the expansion agent, such as where the product component is a cream, fat, dairy product, and/or milk substitute.