Sequential Dispersion of Macrocomponents via Gas-Driven Pressure Burst

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for dispersing macrocomponents in beverages are inefficient, often requiring sequential mixing that is difficult to implement and prone to contamination, especially when dealing with poorly soluble or unstable ingredients, which limits bioavailability and requires complex equipment.

Innovation Solution

A method and device featuring a vessel with separate chambers for macrocomponents, where a mechanical force opens a first separating element to increase pressure and cause a second element to burst, allowing controlled mixing without external contact, ensuring optimal dispersion and bioavailability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple macrocomponents are brought together simultaneously, then the mixing process is simplified, but the dispersion efficiency deteriorates and components may agglomerate or coagulate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing process simplicityVSAvoiddispersion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the mixing process into sequential stages by using multiple separating elements (first separating element, second separating element) that open at different times. This segmentation allows components to be mixed in controlled sequences rather than all at once, improving dispersion efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through automated sequential opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If sequential mixing is implemented to improve dispersion, then the dispersion efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispersion efficiencyVSAvoidmixing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses the natural pressure buildup from gas generation during mixing to automatically open the separating elements in sequence. The first separating element opens when pressure reaches a first threshold, and the second separating element opens when pressure reaches a second threshold. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external control systems while maintaining sequential mixing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If contact-free mixing is used to prevent contamination, then the hygiene is improved, but the mechanical energy input for mixing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination riskVSAvoidmechanical energy input
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses pressure buildup from gas generation (pneumatic effect) to drive the sequential opening of separating elements and facilitate mixing. The pressure increase caused by gas release provides the mechanical energy needed for mixing without requiring external mechanical contact, thus preventing contamination while maintaining adequate energy input for effective dispersion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

4Speed

If poorly soluble components are mixed without sequential control, then the mixing speed is improved, but the bioavailability deteriorates due to agglomeration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing speedVSAvoidbioavailability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary separation of macrocomponents into different chambers before mixing. The first separating element is opened to mix components in a controlled sequence, and only after adequate dispersion is achieved does the second separating element open to allow further mixing with remaining components. This preliminary organized arrangement prevents agglomeration while maintaining rapid mixing through automated sequential activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This method enables efficient, contamination-free sequential dispersion of macrocomponents, maintaining bioavailability and stability of ingredients, particularly for poorly soluble nutrients, by ensuring correct timing and mechanical energy introduction during mixing.

Implementation Method 1

contacting or mixing of the two macrocomponents which were in contact with the first separating element in the initial state, with the release of a gas which leads to a pressure increase corresponding to the degree of mixing or dispersion, which causes a second separating element to burst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure increase: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

release of a gas which leads to a pressure increase corresponding to the degree of mixing or dispersion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas release:

Data Source

PatentEP1960288B1Method and device for the non-contact and sequential dispersion of macrocomponents, especially active micronutrients
Publication Date: 2010.12.22 TERRA NANO
  • EP1960288B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1960288B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1960288B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for the sequential dispersion of macrocomponents. According to said method, a container (130, 1300) comprising at least two chambers (100, 200) for respectively receiving a macrocomponent (8, 10) is used. The macrocomponents in the chambers in the initial state are sealed from each other by a separating element (9, 39, 59) and from the outside by another separating element (12, 59). Said method comprises the following steps: a) a first separating element (9, 39, 59) is opened by applying a mechanical force, b) the two macrocomponents (8, 10) which are respectively in contact with the first separating element (9, 39, 59) in the intial state are brought into contact or mixed, releasing a gas which leads to a pressure rise corresponding to the degree of mixture or dispersion and causing the second separating element to crack, and c) the mixture (189) of macrocomponents (8, 10) obtained in step b) is brought into contact or mixed with at least one third macrocomponent. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.