Single-Serve Sparkling Beverage Maker With Controlled Carbonation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-serve beverage machines are limited to making hot beverages and lack the capability to create on-demand, customized cold beverages like sparkling or non-sparkling flavored waters, juices, or sodas with controlled carbonation levels and flavor selection.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a carbonated beverage maker with a carbonation chamber, pressurized CO2 source, and individually packed flavor cups, allowing for customizable blending and carbonation control, enabling the creation of single-serving beverages with adjustable flavor, carbonation, and volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If single-serve beverage machines are designed for hot beverages only, then the device structure can be simplified, but the versatility and adaptability of the beverage maker is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage maker is designed to perform multiple functions by integrating both a hot beverage brewing system and a cold carbonated beverage making system into a single device. The system can switch between brewing hot beverages using a brewing chamber and making cold carbonated beverages using a carbonation chamber, thereby achieving versatility without requiring separate appliances.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a brewing chamber for hot beverages, a carbonation chamber for cold beverages, a pressurized CO2 reservoir, and a control system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system integration, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If carbonation level and flavor are fixed in pre-packaged pods, then manufacturing and operation are simplified, but the ability to customize beverage parameters is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates adjustable controls that allow users to dynamically change beverage parameters such as carbonation level, flavor concentration, and beverage volume. The control system modifies operational parameters in real-time based on user selections, enabling customization while maintaining ease of operation through an intuitive interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The beverage maker allows users to adjust key parameters including carbonation pressure, flavor concentrate amount, and water volume. By changing these parameters, the system can produce a variety of beverage types and intensities from the same basic components, achieving customization without complicating the operation process.
3Manufacturing precision
If a fixed volume brewing chamber is used, then the manufacturing and operation are simpler, but the ability to control precise beverage quantity and consistency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that monitor and adjust beverage preparation parameters in real-time. The control system receives feedback on actual beverage volume, temperature, and carbonation levels, and automatically adjusts operational parameters to maintain precise quantity control and consistency across multiple beverages.
Solution Approach 2:
The device pre-chills water in the carbonation chamber before carbonation and pre-pressurizes the CO2 reservoir to optimal levels. These preliminary actions ensure that when beverage preparation begins, all parameters are already optimized, enabling precise quantity control and consistent results without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the brewing process.
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 consistent and repeatable production of customized cold beverages, including flavored waters, sports drinks, and energy drinks, with precise control over carbonation and flavor, providing users with on-demand beverage options at home.
Implementation Method 1
The carbonation chamber comprises a pressure vessel assembly of a fixed volume such that carbon dioxide absorption can be performed and controlled
Implementation Method 2
The piercing mechanism pierces the flavor cup and mixes a selected volume of liquid therein
Data Source
AI summary
A system with a beverage maker for making single serving customized beverages is provided herein. An example beverage maker includes a carbonation chamber for mixing a selected volume of fluid with carbon dioxide. The beverage maker also includes a pressurized carbon dioxide source in fluid communication with the carbonation chamber. The beverage maker is configured to receive an individually packed, single use disposable flavor cup containing a flavor and having a sealed cover that covers and seals the flavor cup. Additionally, the beverage maker includes a piercing mechanism for piercing the flavor cup and mixing the selected volume of fluid therein, and for discharging a blended fluid. The carbonation chamber comprises a pressure vessel assembly of a fixed volume such that carbon dioxide absorption can be performed and controlled. The system may also include a water dispenser fluidly connected to the beverage maker.