Porous Flow Control Member for Carbonated Beverage Dispenser

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dispensers for carbonated beverages, such as cans and bottles, suffer from issues like rapid carbonation loss, foaming, and incomplete dispensing due to pressure fluctuations and inability to reseal, making them unsuitable for multiple servings.

Innovation Solution

A dispenser assembly that uses a porous flow control member to regulate the flow of carbonated beverages, maintaining constant carbonation and allowing complete dispensing without additional carbon dioxide tanks, by varying resistance based on pressure changes and using a valve for controlled dispensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a conventional seltzer bottle is used to dispense carbonated beverage, then the beverage can be dispensed without additional gas tanks, but the pressure fluctuates causing rapid carbonation loss and foaming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispenser structureVSAvoidcarbonation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a porous flow control member positioned in the flow passage that allows the carbonated beverage to pass through while regulating its flow rate. The porous structure provides resistance to flow, preventing rapid dispensing that would cause foaming and carbonation loss, while maintaining the simplicity of the dispenser design without requiring additional gas tanks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The porous flow control member acts as an intermediary element between the pressurized beverage in the container and the discharge point. It mediates the flow by providing controlled resistance, thereby stabilizing carbonation and preventing foaming while allowing the beverage to be dispensed at a uniform rate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the flow rate is increased to dispense beverage faster, then productivity improves, but carbonation is lost due to foaming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing speedVSAvoidcarbonation loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The porous flow control member provides a structure that allows beverage flow while maintaining controlled resistance. This enables the system to achieve acceptable dispensing speeds without causing foaming and carbonation loss, as the porous structure physically restricts the flow rate to levels that preserve carbonation integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Speed

If pressure is increased to propel beverage faster, then dispensing speed improves, but carbonation escapes from solution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing speedVSAvoidcarbonation loss

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The porous flow control member acts as a pressure-regulating element that allows the beverage to flow at a controlled rate regardless of the pressure changes in the container. This maintains dispensing speed while preventing the rapid pressure changes that would cause carbonation to escape from the beverage solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

4Ease of operation

If a valve is added to control flow, then dispensing control improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow controlVSAvoiddispenser structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The porous flow control member provides flow control functionality through its inherent porous structure rather than requiring a separate mechanical valve. The porous material naturally regulates flow rate through its physical structure, achieving ease of operation while minimizing the addition of complex components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 dispenser assembly ensures steady and complete dispensing of carbonated beverages at a uniform rate, maintaining carbonation and reducing waste, suitable for home use without the need for cumbersome gas tanks.

Implementation Method 1

The porous flow control member is operable to vary a resistance to flow of the liquid through the dispenser assembly during dispensing. The pressure within the seltzer bottle fluctuates as the beverage is depleted. That is when the seltzer bottle is full, the pressure within the bottle is at a maximum. As the seltzer bottle becomes depleted, the pressure within the bottle becomes correspondingly depleted.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS7631786B2Dispenser assembly having a porous flow control member

Publication Date: 2009.12.15 PEPSICO INC

AI summary

A dispenser assembly that can be used as a dispenser on a container includes a dispenser body having a flow passage, and a porous flow control member positioned in the flow passage such that the liquid must pass through at least a portion of the porous flow control member before being dispensed. The porous flow control member is operable to vary a resistance to flow of the liquid through the dispenser assembly during dispensing. A valve is provided and is movable between an open position that allows the liquid to be dispensed and a closed position that prevents the liquid from being dispensed. A discharge spout directs the flow of liquid discharged from the container. A dip tube is attached to the dispenser body and extends inside the container to supply the liquid to be discharged to the dispenser body. An attachment portion is provided to attach the dispenser assembly to the container.