Venturi Diffuser Structure for Faster Steam-Beverage Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for admixing air and/or steam into beverages, such as those used in espresso machines, do not fully exploit the kinetic energy of the Venturi effect, 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 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 diffuser is divided into multiple sections with different numbers of throughholes (first plurality and second plurality), creating multiple venturi effects along the steam flow path. This segmentation allows progressive exploitation of steam kinetic energy while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single venturi structure to a multi-level venturi system with throughholes arranged at different positions and orientations. This dimensional expansion allows the steam to interact with the beverage through multiple pathways, significantly improving mixing efficiency.
2Device complexity
If the steam pipe directly introduces steam into the beverage, then the device structure is simple, but the mixing time is prolonged and the desired effects are achieved slowly
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser structure with multiple throughholes is positioned upstream to pre-mix the steam with the beverage before the main mixing occurs. This preliminary action creates initial turbulence and distribution patterns that accelerate the overall mixing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the pneumatic principles of the venturi effect to accelerate steam through constricted passages, creating high-velocity jets that rapidly mix with the beverage. The pressure differential generated by the venturi structures forces efficient fluid interaction.
3Productivity
If the venturi effect is used to suck external air and milk, then the mixing process is enhanced, but the amount of fluid moved is very limited and kinetic energy is not fully exploited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple throughholes are distributed across different sections of the diffuser, creating multiple venturi zones. Each zone independently draws in fluid, collectively moving a much larger quantity of beverage and air compared to a single venturi structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the diffuser have different numbers and arrangements of throughholes, creating localized variations in the venturi effect. This allows optimal fluid intake at each position along the steam path, maximizing overall fluid movement while maintaining mixing effectiveness.
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 faster and more effective mixing of steam and milk, enhancing the heating and frothing process by ensuring the full exploitation of the Venturi effect, reducing the time required to achieve the desired beverage consistency.
Implementation Method 1
a component associated with the pipe and having a first plurality of throughholes arranged to form a venturi with an outlet region at low pressure and high kinetic energy
Implementation Method 2
the component or diffuser generates a high pressure difference between the inside and the outlet of the pipe by means of the first plurality of throughholes and by Venturi effect
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a component configured to be associated with a pipe arranged to supply a pressurized fluid into a beverage in order to admix the fluid to the beverage. The component includes a venturi having a first, upstream region at high pressure and low kinetic energy, and a second, downstream region at low pressure and high kinetic energy for said fluid. In the component, a first plurality of throughholes forms the venturi and puts the first region into communication with the second region, and a second plurality of throughholes is arranged so as to converge towards the second region. The present invention also relates to a device including the component and to a method of admixing a fluid to a beverage.