Selectable Gas Infusion for Noncarbonated Beverage Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to efficiently infuse nitrogen or nitrogen/carbon dioxide gas into noncarbonated beverages like coffee or tea, lacking flexibility, space-saving measures, and user-friendliness, while being cost-effective and maintaining unique flavor and appearance.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained beverage dispensing system incorporating a pressurized beverage storage unit, a controlled nitrogen or mixed gas supply, a liquid/gas infusion unit, and a diaphragm pump, with a check valve to prevent liquid backflow, allowing selective infusion and dispensing of gas-infused or non-infused beverages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional beverage dispensing system is used, then the system structure is simple, but it cannot efficiently infuse nitrogen or mixed gas into noncarbonated beverages
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the beverage dispensing process into separate functional modules: a beverage storage unit, a gas storage unit, a liquid/gas infusion unit, and a dispensing mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system efficiency in gas infusion.
Solution Approach 2:
A liquid/gas infusion unit serves as an intermediary component between the gas storage unit and beverage storage unit. This intermediary device facilitates efficient gas-liquid contact and infusion through controlled flow dynamics, enabling effective nitrogen or mixed gas infusion into noncarbonated beverages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If selective infusion capability is added, then beverage flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates controllable valves and flow regulation mechanisms that enable dynamic switching between different beverage dispensing modes (infused vs. non-infused). This dynamic control allows the same hardware to adapt to different beverage requirements without adding substantial complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The beverage dispensing system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can dispense noncarbonated beverages without gas infusion, infuse beverages with nitrogen or mixed gas, and switch between these modes. This multi-functionality is achieved through shared components and controllable flow paths, maintaining cost-effectiveness while enhancing versatility.
3Reliability
If a pressurized beverage storage unit is used, then gas infusion effectiveness is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the gas storage unit and beverage storage unit into an integrated configuration where both are housed in the same refrigeration unit. This combining approach allows the pressurized gas and beverage to be stored together in a controlled environment, improving infusion effectiveness while avoiding the need for separate complex pressurization systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes controlled pneumatic pressure from the nitrogen or mixed gas storage unit to facilitate beverage flow and gas infusion. The pressurized gas naturally flows through the infusion unit, utilizing pneumatic principles to achieve effective gas-liquid contact without requiring additional mechanical pressurization devices.
4Reliability
If a check valve is added to prevent liquid backflow, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve, while adding a component, converts a potential harmful effect (liquid backflow into the gas supply) into a beneficial feature by automatically preventing backflow. This passive protection mechanism eliminates the need for complex active backflow prevention systems, maintaining cost-effectiveness while improving reliability.
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 system effectively enhances the flavor, texture, and appearance of noncarbonated beverages by infusing nitrogen or nitrogen/carbon dioxide gas, providing flexibility and cost-effectiveness in commercial and residential settings.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid/gas contactor membrane unit
Implementation Method 2
infusion of other noncarbonated beverages such as coffee or tea
Implementation Method 3
a diaphragm pump
Implementation Method 4
the gas feed supply line to the liquid/gas contactor membrane unit comprises a check valve preventing liquid flow from the liquid/gas contactor membrane unit into the gas supply line
Implementation Method 5
a refrigeration unit capable of cooling the beverage storage unit, the liquid/gas infusion unit and the dispense tower
Implementation Method 6
a liquid/gas infusion unit, such as a Venturi device or a liquid/gas contactor membrane unit
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are beverage dispensing apparatuses for selectable gas-infused beverage dispensing. The apparatus may have a faucet assembly, a beverage storage unit, a gas storage unit, a liquid/gas infusion unit, and an infusion valve. The faucet assembly may have a housing, a nozzle, a supply valve, and a dispensing valve, configured to control a flow of beverage through the faucet assembly. The beverage dispensing apparatus may use the infusion valve to selectively infuse a selected level of gas within a dispensed beverage.