Ultrasonic Beverage Nucleation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for nucleating supercooled beverages within a beverage container are cumbersome, prone to user error, and may damage the container, while also obscuring the nucleation process, which limits consumer engagement and experience.
Innovation Solution
A beverage nucleation device that uses ultrasonic energy to cause nucleation of a supercooled beverage within a beverage container, allowing for easy and rapid formation of a slush beverage without shaking, dropping, or striking the container, and enabling clear visibility of the nucleation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional nucleation methods (shaking, dropping, striking) are used, then nucleation of supercooled beverage can be achieved, but the beverage container may be damaged and the process is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical nucleation methods (shaking, dropping, striking) with an ultrasonic transducer that generates ultrasonic vibrations. This substitution eliminates the need for physical impact or movement of the container, thereby preventing container damage while reliably inducing nucleation through acoustic energy transmitted through the applicator to the supercooled beverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an applicator as an intermediary between the ultrasonic transducer and the beverage container. The applicator contacts the container wall and transmits ultrasonic vibrations into the supercooled beverage, enabling nucleation without direct mechanical impact on the container. This intermediary mechanism ensures reliable nucleation while protecting container integrity.
2Reliability
If the container is shaken or moved to cause nucleation, then nucleation can be achieved, but user error is more likely and the process is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic nucleation device performs the nucleation function automatically through the ultrasonic transducer and applicator system. The user simply places the supercooled beverage in the device and activates the ultrasonic function, eliminating the need for manual shaking or complex user actions. The device itself generates and transmits the ultrasonic vibrations required for nucleation, reducing user error and simplifying operation.
3Productivity
If the applicator contacts the beverage container, then ultrasonic energy can be transmitted to cause nucleation, but the container may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ultrasonic vibration frequency and amplitude as the parameter for transmitting energy to the beverage. By controlling the ultrasonic parameters (frequency, power level) and using the applicator as a contact interface, the system achieves efficient nucleation transmission while keeping the contact force gentle and non-damaging to the container. The ultrasonic energy is transmitted through vibrations rather than mechanical impact.
4Productivity
If conventional nucleation methods are used, then nucleation can occur, but the process is slow and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an ultrasonic transducer that generates high-frequency mechanical vibrations (ultrasonic range) to induce nucleation in the supercooled beverage. These ultrasonic vibrations rapidly agitate the beverage molecules, accelerating the nucleation process significantly compared to conventional methods. The mechanical vibration energy is transmitted through the applicator contact with the container, enabling fast and efficient nucleation.
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 device efficiently converts a supercooled beverage into a slush beverage within the container, minimizing user error and damage, while providing a unique and engaging experience for consumers by allowing them to observe the nucleation process.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer configured to generate and apply ultrasonic energy to the beverage container via the applicator so as to cause nucleation of the supercooled beverage
Implementation Method 2
an applicator configured to contact a sidewall of the beverage container on the support, wherein the applicator of the beverage nucleation device includes an elastomeric material
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage nucleation device includes a housing, a beverage receiving area defined by the housing for receiving a beverage container containing a supercooled beverage, and a support configured to support the beverage container in an upright orientation in the beverage container receiving area. The beverage nucleation device may further include an applicator configured to contact a sidewall of the beverage container on the support, wherein the applicator includes an elastomeric material. An ultrasonic transducer of the beverage nucleation device is configured to generate and apply ultrasonic energy to the beverage container via the applicator so as to cause nucleation of the supercooled beverage.