Venturi Diffuser Throughhole Layout for Faster Beverage Frothing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for admixing air and/or steam into beverages, such as those using the Venturi effect, do not fully exploit the kinetic energy of the fluid, resulting in inefficient mixing and prolonged time to achieve desired effects like heating or frothing.
Innovation Solution
A device with a steam pipe and diffuser component featuring a first plurality of throughholes forming a Venturi effect at high kinetic energy and a second plurality of throughholes converging towards the low-pressure region, optimizing the mechanical movement and heat exchange by fully exploiting the kinetic energy of the steam to effectively mix with the beverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single Venturi structure is used to mix steam and beverage, then the device structure is simple, but the kinetic energy of steam is not fully exploited and mixing efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing device is segmented into multiple independent Venturi structures (first Venturi and second Venturi) with separate throughholes. Each Venturi processes a portion of the steam flow independently, allowing parallel mixing operations that fully exploit the kinetic energy of steam while maintaining modular simplicity in each individual structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-axis mixing approach to a multi-dimensional configuration by arranging multiple Venturi structures at different spatial positions and orientations. The first and second throughholes are positioned at different locations, creating multi-directional steam injection that enhances mixing efficiency without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
2Productivity
If more steam and beverage are moved and mixed simultaneously, then the mixing efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device processes larger volumes of steam and beverage by segmenting the mixing function into multiple parallel Venturi structures. Each throughhole and its associated Venturi handle a specific portion of the fluid flow, enabling high-volume processing while keeping each individual mixing element simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Each Venturi structure serves multiple functions: it accelerates steam, creates low-pressure zones for fluid suction, and facilitates mixing. This multi-functionality allows the device to achieve high mixing efficiency with relatively simple repeating units, avoiding the need for complex multi-component systems.
3Loss of time
If the kinetic energy of steam is fully exploited, then the time to obtain desired effects (heating, frothing) is reduced, but the mechanical movements of beverage must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses pneumatic-hydraulic principles where steam (gas phase) drives the mixing process through pressure differentials created by the Venturi effect. The steam flow itself generates the mechanical movements needed for effective mixing, heating, and frothing without requiring additional mechanical components, thus reducing device complexity while minimizing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The device optimizes the exploitation of steam kinetic energy by carefully controlling parameters such as steam pressure, throughhole dimensions, and Venturi geometry. These parameter optimizations enable rapid heating and frothing through efficient energy transfer, achieving desired effects quickly without adding mechanical complexity.
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 solution enables rapid and effective mixing of steam and beverage, enhancing the heating and frothing process by ensuring the full exploitation of the Venturi effect, reducing the time required to achieve the desired effects.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of throughholes (32) arranged to form a venturi with an outlet region at low pressure and high kinetic energy
Implementation Method 2
the kinetic energy of the fluid, e.g. steam, obtained in this way, is exploited to move the beverage by sucking it, through the second plurality of holes
Implementation Method 3
the diffuser generates a beverage circulation assisting in the mixing and heat exchange between the steam and the beverage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~3a
Figure 3b~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a component configured to be associated with a pipe arranged to supply a pressurised fluid into a beverage in order to admix the fluid to the beverage. The component (21) includes a venturi having a first, upstream region (A) at high pressure and low kinetic energy, and a second, downstream region (B1 - B) at low pressure and high kinetic energy for said fluid. In the component (21), a first plurality of throughholes (32) forms the venturi (31) and puts the first region (A) into communication with the second region (B1 - B), and a second plurality of throughholes (34) is arranged so as to converge towards the second region (B1 - B). The present invention also relates to a device including the component and to a method of admixing a fluid to a beverage.