Post-Mixing Carbonation Beverage Cooling System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beverage dispensing systems struggle to cool beverages to temperatures below 0°C, which is desirable for consumer preference but can damage dispensing devices and hinder dispensing, and existing technologies do not allow for optimal customization of cooling temperature.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that involves mixing a diluent and a concentrate to create a diluted solution, which is then carbonated and cooled to below 0°C using a cold plate, with optional additives and a system that includes upstream and downstream coolers to maintain precise temperature control, allowing for the dispensing of cooled beverages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If beverages are cooled to below 0°C to enhance consumer experience, then consumer preference is improved, but dispensing devices may be damaged and dispensing may be hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into separate stages: pre-cooling the beverage in a first cooling device, then finishing cooling in a second cooling device. This segmentation allows the beverage to be cooled to below 0°C without exposing the entire dispensing system to extreme temperatures, thereby preventing damage while achieving the desired cooling effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The beverage is pre-cooled to a temperature above 0°C in a first cooling device before being transferred to a second cooling device for final cooling to below 0°C. This preliminary action protects the dispensing device from immediate exposure to subzero temperatures, reducing the risk of damage while still achieving the desired final temperature.
2Temperature
If beverages are cooled to below 0°C to provide pleasurable mouth feel, then consumer satisfaction is improved, but phase change from liquid to solid occurs which damages dispensing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling process is segmented into two distinct stages with different temperature ranges. The first stage cools the beverage to above 0°C, avoiding phase change, while the second stage completes the cooling to below 0°C. This segmentation prevents phase change damage to the dispensing device while still achieving the desired subzero temperature for consumer satisfaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The beverage undergoes preliminary cooling to a temperature above 0°C before final cooling to below 0°C. This preliminary action ensures that the beverage remains in liquid form during the majority of the cooling process, preventing phase change damage to the dispensing device while still achieving the desired final temperature for pleasurable mouth feel.
3Productivity
If premixed beverages are delivered in high volume rigid containers, then supply chain efficiency is improved, but customization of beverage content, concentration, and carbonation is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage system is segmented into separate components: a concentrate stored in rigid containers and a diluent (water) supplied separately. This segmentation allows the concentrate to be efficiently stored and transported in rigid containers while still enabling customization at the point of dispensing by controlling the dilution ratio and adding carbonation, thus maintaining supply chain efficiency while restoring beverage customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The beverage concentrate is pre-prepared and stored in rigid containers, which maintains supply chain efficiency. At the point of dispensing, the concentrate is mixed with diluent in controlled amounts, and carbonation is added. This preliminary preparation of the concentrate allows for efficient storage and transport while still enabling full customization of the final beverage composition.
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 the precise cooling of beverages to below 0°C for enhanced consumer experience while preventing damage to dispensing equipment, and allows for customization of beverage composition and carbonation levels.
Implementation Method 1
The carbonated solution can then be cooled to below 0° C. to produce the cooled beverage
Implementation Method 2
mixing a diluent and a concentrate to make a diluted solution
Implementation Method 3
The diluted solution is then carbonated to yield a carbonated solution
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for dispensing a cooled beverage are provided. One embodiment of methods includes the steps of mixing a diluent and a concentrate to make a diluted solution. The diluted solution is carbonated to yield a carbonated solution. The carbonated solution is cooled to below 0° C. to produce the cooled beverage, and the cooled beverage is dispensed through a nozzle. A device for dispensing a cooled beverage, where the cooled beverage comprises a diluent having a freezing point at STP includes an upstream cooler that pre-cools a supply of diluent to a temperature above the freezing point. A mixer mixes the pre-cooled diluent with a concentrate to make a diluted solution. A downstream cooler further cools the diluted solution to below the freezing point. A dispenser dispenses the downstream-cooled solution to atmosphere. The temperature of the cooled beverage is below the freezing point when dispensed.