Process for making a portable beverage product and a filling line therefore
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for manufacturing portable beverage products do not allow for self-preparation at the time of consumption, as they typically involve pre-filling and sealing without incorporating additional ingredients for preparation.
Innovation Solution
A process that includes a container with a separation device and a filtering device, where the first liquid ingredient is introduced and the second ingredient, often in a soluble or powdered form, is positioned above or integrated with the separation device, allowing user-controlled mixing and infusion upon heating or pressure increase, enabling beverage preparation in a single package.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable beverage product is pre-filled and sealed for ready-to-drink consumption, then convenience and portability are improved, but the ability to allow self-preparation at the time of consumption is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage container is divided into separate compartments: a first chamber for liquid ingredient (water or milk) and a second chamber for dry ingredient (coffee powder, tea leaves, or other soluble ingredients). This segmentation allows both ingredients to be stored separately in a ready-to-port state, yet enables self-preparation when the user activates the mixing mechanism by breaking the seal between chambers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ingredients are included in a single package for self-preparation, then versatility and flavor quality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation device containing the second chamber with dry ingredients is nested within or positioned inside the first chamber containing liquid ingredients. This nested arrangement allows multiple ingredients to be housed in a compact, space-efficient manner while maintaining the simplicity of a single portable container structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dry ingredients are pre-loaded into the second chamber and the liquid into the first chamber during manufacturing, but the mixing action is deferred until the user activates it by breaking the seal. This preliminary preparation of separate compartments maintains simplicity while enabling self-preparation versatility when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separation device is added to enable ingredient mixing, then self-preparation capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The separation device with its sealing mechanism is pre-assembled and pre-loaded with dry ingredients during the manufacturing process. The liquid ingredient is then filled into the first chamber, and the entire assembly is sealed. This preliminary action during manufacturing simplifies the production process by preparing the mixing mechanism in advance, reducing complexity during actual beverage preparation.
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 preparation of a freshly flavored beverage without the need for additional ingredients, providing better flavor and convenience by allowing users to mix and infuse ingredients within the container, promoting a self-preparable beverage experience.
Implementation Method 1
providing the separation device with a frangible barrier to be perforated by the user. In another embodiment, the process includes arranging the separation device in order to provide the break or removal of the removable barrier by an increase of the pressure of the liquid contained in the first chamber
Implementation Method 2
arranging the separation device in order to provide the break or removal of the removable barrier by an increase of the pressure of the liquid contained in the first chamber. Such increase of pressure may be given by heating the container
Implementation Method 3
Such increase of pressure may be given by heating the container
Implementation Method 4
positioning a hollow filtering device inside the second chamber, and said filtering device contains, or is suitable to contain, said at least one second ingredient
Data Source
AI summary
A process for making a portable beverage product may include the steps of: providing a portable container with an aperture; providing a separation device previously equipped with sealing means including at least one removable barrier; inserting an amount of a drinkable liquid into the container; inserting the separation device into the container to form a first chamber containing the liquid, a second chamber, and a connecting path from the first chamber into the second chamber, the connecting path being closed by the removable barrier; inserting at least one second ingredient into the second chamber; closing the aperture of the container with a cover; wherein the separation device is also positioned in such a way that the removable barrier can be removed in response to a user action on the portable beverage product, thus opening the above mentioned connecting path.