Post-mix Nozzle Radial Flow Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post-mix beverage dispensers result in inconsistent mixing of base liquids and additives, leading to portions of either liquid in the output stream, causing uneven flavor profiles in beverages.
Innovation Solution
A post-mix beverage dispensing nozzle design featuring a first flow path and a second flow path that converge at a mixing chamber, ensuring uniform flow rates in all radial directions, resulting in consistent mixing of base liquids and additives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional post-mix nozzle design is used, then the structure is simple, but the mixing quality is poor resulting in inconsistent flavors
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into multiple functional components: a body, a cap, and an insert with multiple flow paths. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall mixing quality. The insert specifically segments the liquid flows into separate channels that converge at the outlet, ensuring proper mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the nozzle are designed with different properties: the input ports have specific geometries to control flow rates, the flow paths have varying cross-sections to maintain uniform flow, and the outlet is positioned to achieve complete mixing. This local optimization of geometry and flow characteristics ensures consistent mixing quality throughout the nozzle.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If base liquid and additive are delivered through separate conduits, then the shelf life of additives is extended, but the mixing consistency at dispensing is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle design incorporates preliminary flow conditioning before the liquids meet at the outlet. The flow paths are designed to establish uniform flow rates and proper flow patterns before convergence, ensuring that mixing begins optimally at the point of dispensing. This preliminary preparation of the flows ensures consistent mixing without requiring pre-mixing that would reduce shelf life.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle body and insert act as an intermediary device that receives separate liquid streams and facilitates their proper mixing. The structured flow paths within the nozzle serve as the medium through which the base liquid and additive are combined in consistent ratios, maintaining both shelf life benefits and composition stability.
3Device complexity
If mixing occurs in the cup after dispensing, then the nozzle structure can be simpler, but the flavor consistency between sips deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is designed to perform the mixing function itself as it dispenses the beverage. The internal flow paths and outlet geometry enable the nozzle to automatically mix the base liquid and additive in consistent proportions during the dispensing process, eliminating the need for post-dispensing mixing in the cup and ensuring flavor consistency.
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 nozzle achieves uniform mixing of beverages, ensuring consistent flavor profiles by distributing the liquids uniformly in all radial directions, eliminating the issue of inconsistent flavors between sips.
Implementation Method 1
At the point of the mixing chamber both the first flow path and second flow path have uniform flow rates in all radial directions around the central axis
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A~2G
AI summary
Disclosed is a post-mix beverage dispensing nozzle. The disenpsing nozzle includes an input fitting, a cap, an insert, and a body. The dispensing nozzle defines a first flow path and a second flow path. The first flow path flows from a first input port offset from a central axis of the dispensing nozzle to a mixing chamber. The second flow path flows from an input port offset from the central axis of the dispensing nozzle to the mixing chamber. At the point of the mixing chamber both the first flow path and second flow path have uniform flow rates in all radial directions around the central axis.