Self-pressurized concentrate source for post-mix equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post-mix dispensers are limited in their ability to efficiently dispense beverage liquid concentrates from self-pressurized containers, requiring complex setups and technical knowledge, and often necessitate the use of pumps or pressurized cylinders.
Innovation Solution
A post-mix beverage dispensing system that connects a self-pressurized container, such as a bag-on-valve container, to post-mix equipment, allowing for the direct dispensing of beverage flavor concentrates without the need for pumps or pressurized cylinders, and enabling the mixing of concentrates with diluents at the nozzle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pump or pressurized tank is used to deliver syrup or concentrate in a typical post-mix system, then the concentrate can be delivered to the dispensing system, but the system complexity and technical knowledge required for setup and maintenance increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The concentrate container is designed to be self-pressurized, eliminating the need for external pumps or pressurized tanks. The container itself generates the pressure needed to deliver concentrate through its own valve assembly and pressurized atmosphere, making the system self-sufficient and easier to operate without requiring technical expertise for setup and maintenance of complex pressurization equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the external pump and pressurized tank components from the typical post-mix system. By extracting these separate pressurization mechanisms and integrating the pressurization function directly into the concentrate container, the system complexity is reduced while maintaining the ability to deliver concentrate effectively
2Duration of action of stationary object
If liquid concentrate is exposed to gas and pressurization in a typical dispensing system, then the concentrate can be delivered, but the shelf life and yield of the beverage product decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The concentrate container maintains an inert or controlled atmosphere inside the container to prevent harmful reactions between the concentrate and external gas. The valve assembly is designed to minimize exposure of the concentrate to external environment, preserving the product quality and extending shelf life by protecting against oxidation and contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is nested within the concentrate container structure, with the concentrate chamber positioned inside the container. This nested arrangement allows the concentrate to be protected within the container while still enabling delivery through the integrated valve system, reducing exposure to harmful external factors during storage and dispensing
3Device complexity
If a self-pressurized container is used to deliver concentrate, then the system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the container design and valve assembly become more specialized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the concentrate container itself: storage, pressurization, and valve control are all integrated into a single container unit. This merging of functions simplifies the overall system by eliminating separate components while the container design, though specialized, becomes a unified structure that is easier to manufacture as an integrated unit rather than assembling multiple separate components
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 simplifies the dispensing process, eliminates the need for technical expertise, and extends the shelf life and yield of beverage products by isolating the liquid concentrate from gas and pressurization, while also providing the flexibility to dispense both hot and cold beverages.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurized outer container (220) surrounding the concentrate chamber (210) and exerting a pressure on the concentrate chamber (210)
Data Source
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AI summary
A post-mix beverage dispenser utilizing a liquid concentrate in a self-pressurized container is provided. The beverage dispenser includes a connector and flow control valve to regulate the pressure of the liquid concentrate in the system. The liquid concentrate and diluent are mixed at the nozzle of the post-mix beverage dispenser.