Venturi Mixing Device for Beverage Homogeneity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing devices in the food preparation industry, particularly in the beverage sector, face challenges in achieving thorough mixing of high viscosity concentrates with water, leading to inconsistent product quality and sanitation issues due to the need for complex and costly mechanical mixing systems and rinsing processes.
Innovation Solution
A mixing device that utilizes pressurized water to impinge on concentrate flows within a chamber, ensuring thorough mixing and homogeneity, while also allowing for easy cleaning and sanitation through disposable components and controlled flow configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical mixing components are used to mix high viscosity concentrate with water, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and sanitation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical mixing components (blades, agitators) with a fluid dynamic mixing system using venturi devices and controlled fluid flow. The mixing is achieved through fluid mechanics - creating turbulence and eddies via venturi vacuum and flow interaction - rather than mechanical agitation, thereby eliminating mechanical parts that require sanitation while achieving homogeneous mixing of high viscosity concentrates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic principles to achieve mixing through controlled fluid flow. Venturi devices create vacuum and draw concentrate into water streams, and the interaction of fluid flows creates mixing eddies and turbulence. This hydraulic approach replaces mechanical mixing while maintaining effectiveness for high viscosity concentrates
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical mixing components are used, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but cleansing time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical mixing components with a fluid-based venturi mixing system, the patent eliminates parts that accumulate residue and require cleaning. The smooth-bore venturi devices and flow paths have no crevices, blades, or moving parts to sanitize, thereby eliminating cleaning cycles entirely while maintaining mixing effectiveness
3Manufacturing precision
If mechanical mixing components are used, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical mixing components (motors, blades, seals, bearings) with relatively simple venturi devices and flow control valves. The venturi mixers are passive fluid dynamic elements that can be manufactured as simple smooth-bore tubes or fittings, significantly reducing system cost while achieving effective mixing of high viscosity concentrates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable concentrate cartridges that contain pre-measured concentrate. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex sanitation systems and mechanical mixing components, as the entire concentrate delivery system can be replaced by simply changing cartridges, reducing both initial system cost and ongoing sanitation expenses
4Reliability
If rinsing is performed to sanitize mixing components, then sanitation is improved, but product quality deteriorates due to over-dilution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical mixing components that require rinsing with a disposable cartridge system and venturi-based fluid mixing. The concentrate cartridges are pre-packaged in sanitized containers, and the venturi mixing system uses fluid dynamics rather than mechanical contact, eliminating the need for rinsing operations that would otherwise cause over-dilution and concentration variability
Solution Approach 2:
The concentrate is pre-packaged in sanitized cartridges before use. This preliminary sanitation action eliminates the need for post-use rinsing or cleaning, preventing any opportunity for over-dilution to occur. The system is designed so that sanitation is built into the packaging rather than requiring operational cleaning cycles
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 achieves consistent and homogeneous mixing of beverages, as evidenced by stable Brix measurements, and facilitates efficient sanitation by eliminating the need for complex mechanical components and reducing the risk of flavor and allergen contamination.
Implementation Method 1
In a venturi device a stream of diluent, such as water, flows through a water feed line. Water flow is restricted and then expanded to produce a desired flow characteristic. When water flows through the water line and flows through the venturi device the venturi device creates a vacuum on the second component line thereby drawing second component from its source or container.
Implementation Method 2
A mixing device that utilizes pressurized water to impinge on concentrate flows within a chamber, ensuring thorough mixing and homogeneity
Data Source
AI summary
A mixing device has a cavity within a body with an inlet for an ingredient. A water inlet is located in the cavity of the body such that the water inlet and the ingredient inlet impinge upon one another to mix the fluids within a chamber located within the cavity. The mixture then dispenses downstream through an outlet. The chamber is located upstream of the water inlet in order to facilitate the mixing process.