Solid Gas Source Cartridge for Compact Carbonated Beverage Production
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage making systems face challenges in efficiently delivering high-quality, gas-infused beverages in compact form factors, particularly for low-volume locations and in developing regions, where logistics and safety concerns hinder the use of high-pressure gases, and packaged systems fail to preserve aroma in beverages.
Innovation Solution
A beverage making machine with a gas storage tank and a cartridge containing a solid gas source that sublimates to emit gas, which is captured and mixed with beverage ingredients in a one-way vent system, allowing for the creation of carbonated beverages in a compact and safe manner, while preserving aroma through aroma-enhanced solid gas sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high pressure gas is used for beverage carbonation, then beverage quality is improved, but logistics and safety issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of carbon dioxide from high-pressure gas to solid form (dry ice). This parameter change eliminates the need for high-pressure storage and transportation infrastructure, allowing standard postal services to deliver the carbonation source safely to consumer locations while maintaining beverage quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable cartridges containing solid CO2 that are delivered via standard postal services. These single-use cartridges eliminate the need for expensive, specialized high-pressure gas delivery infrastructure and safety protocols, making the system viable for low-volume locations
2Ease of operation
If packaged beverage systems are used, then convenience is improved, but aroma is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates aroma-enhanced solid gas sources into the cartridges before delivery. The aroma compounds are pre-loaded into the solid CO2 matrix, so that when the CO2 sublimates during beverage preparation, the aroma is released simultaneously, preserving volatile aromatic compounds that would otherwise degrade in traditional packaged systems
Solution Approach 2:
The solid CO2 acts as an intermediary carrier for aroma compounds. Instead of storing aroma separately where it degrades, the aroma is embedded in the solid CO2 structure, which protects it during storage and delivery, then releases it freshly when the CO2 sublimates in the beverage preparation process
3Volume of moving object
If beverage making systems are made compact, then space utilization is improved, but functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated cartridge: solid CO2 for carbonation, aroma-enhanced compounds for flavor, and beverage ingredients. This consolidation delivers comprehensive beverage-making functionality in a compact form factor suitable for space-constrained locations
Solution Approach 2:
The beverage making system is designed to produce multiple beverage types (carbonated and non-carbonated, various flavors) using a single compact unit. The cartridges can be varied to create different beverages, providing system versatility without requiring large dedicated infrastructure for each beverage type
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 production of high-quality, gas-infused beverages in compact form factors, addressing logistics and safety issues, and preserving aroma, thus meeting the demands of diverse market opportunities and consumer preferences.
Implementation Method 1
a solid gas source that through sublimation emits a gas
Implementation Method 2
the gas from the gas storage tank is dissolved in a beverage diluent liquid
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A beverage making cartridge for use in a beverage making machine includes a beverage making cartridge enclosure comprising a gas source portion, the gas source portion further including a solid gas source that through sublimation emits a gas, and a one-way vent arranged in the beverage making cartridge enclosure vents the gas emitted from the solid gas source, such that it can be captured and stored in a gas storage tank, wherein the gas from the gas storage tank is dissolved in a beverage diluent liquid and mixed with at least one of a beverage ingredient to form the beverage. Exemplary embodiment includes a dispenser attached to the beverage making cartridge, the dispenser dispenses the beverage diluent liquid and the beverage ingredient to form a beverage.