Venturi Nitrogen Infusion for Consistent Beverage Foam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for infusing compressed gases into chilled beverages to create a pleasing head of foam are complex, prone to clogging, and costly, and fail to consistently provide a high-density, long-lasting foam with user-selectable proportions of head-to-settled liquid.
Innovation Solution
A device using a venturi mixing system with a liquid inlet, gas inlet, and discharge port, integrated with a pressure regulator and flow restricting device, which infuses nitrogen into coffee through a venturi mixing device, creating a high-density foam by controlling gas pressure and flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If porous membranes or elaborate mixing components are used for gas infusion, then gas infusion capability is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes porous membranes and elaborate mixing components from the system, replacing them with a simple valve-controlled gas injection system. The gas infusion function is achieved by directly injecting compressed gas through a valve into the beverage container, eliminating the complex components that cause clogging and maintenance issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic principles by injecting compressed gas directly into the liquid beverage through a valve. The gas infusion is achieved by controlling gas pressure and flow rate through the valve, allowing gas bubbles to form and rise through the liquid, creating foam without requiring porous membranes or complex mixing devices.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple regulated liquid and gas pressures are used to achieve desired gas infusion, then gas infusion precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates multiple pressure regulators and complex liquid-gas mixing schemes, using only a single valve to control gas injection. The system achieves adequate gas infusion by controlling gas pressure through one valve rather than using multiple regulated pressure systems, significantly reducing component complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the beverage container itself to self-regulate the mixing process. By injecting gas at controlled pressure through the valve, the natural convection and bubble rise within the container achieve the desired gas-liquid mixing without requiring external complex pressure regulation mechanisms.
3Reliability
If existing nitrogen infusion systems are used, then gas infusion capability is achieved, but head density and longevity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes gas infusion parameters by controlling gas pressure and injection rate through the valve to achieve higher gas infusion proportions. By adjusting these parameters, the system creates higher density foam with more gas bubbles per unit volume, resulting in longer-lasting heads that maintain their structure better than existing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visual feedback of foam formation and adjustment of gas injection parameters to achieve consistent head density. By observing the foam creation process and adjusting valve operation, the system maintains optimal gas infusion levels for consistent, long-lasting foam heads.
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 system provides a simpler, reliable, and cost-effective method for creating a high-density, long-lasting foam with adjustable head-to-liquid proportions, enhancing the appeal of the beverage.
Implementation Method 1
A venturi mixing device has a liquid inlet port in fluid communication with the beverage container, a gas inlet port in fluid communication with the gas source and a discharge port. The venturi mixing device is configured to infuse the gas received from the gas source into liquid beverage received from the beverage container.
Data Source
AI summary
In a device for infusing a gas from a gas source into a liquid beverage, a beverage container defines an interior for holding the liquid beverage therein. A venturi mixing device has a liquid inlet port in fluid communication with the beverage container, a gas inlet port in fluid communication with the gas source and a discharge port. The venturi mixing device is configured to infuse the gas received from the gas source into liquid beverage received from the beverage container. A faucet is in fluid communication with the discharge port of the venturi mixing device and is configured to dispense the liquid beverage infused with the gas.