Vertical Carbonator Cooling System for Consistent Beverage Carbonation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice-cooled beverage dispensers with horizontally arranged carbonator tanks experience inconsistent carbonation levels due to temperature increases, leading to decreased carbonation levels and lower quality beverages.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system where the carbonator unit is positioned in a non-horizontal orientation relative to the cold plate, with a fastener of lower thermal conductivity, allowing for thermal communication and convection currents to enhance heat exchange and maintain consistent carbonation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the carbonator tank is arranged in a horizontal layout with the cold plate, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the carbonation levels become inconsistent and temperature control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the carbonator tank from a horizontal layout to a vertical layout relative to the cold plate. This asymmetric arrangement improves thermal contact between the cold plate and the carbonator tank, ensuring more consistent carbonation levels while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the straightforward vertical stacking configuration.
2Device complexity
If the carbonator tank temperature increases, then the system operates with simpler temperature control, but the carbonation levels decrease and beverage quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the thermal conductivity parameter of the interface between the cold plate and carbonator tank. By using a thermally conductive material or improving thermal contact in the vertical arrangement, the system maintains lower carbonator tank temperatures without complex control mechanisms, thereby preserving consistent carbonation levels.
3Strength
If a fastener with high thermal conductivity is used to couple the carbonator to the cold plate, then the mechanical connection is strong, but the thermal insulation is reduced and temperature control is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a fastener with differentiated thermal properties - the fastener has high thermal conductivity at the contact points with the cold plate to ensure good thermal transfer, but lower thermal conductivity in other portions to provide thermal insulation. This localized variation in thermal conductivity allows the fastener to simultaneously provide strong mechanical connection and appropriate temperature control for the carbonator tank.
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
This configuration ensures consistent carbonation levels by maintaining the carbonator at lower temperatures, increasing CO2 dissolution and beverage quality, and reducing temperature variations within the dispenser.
Implementation Method 1
The cold plate cools the carbonator unit by conduction such that the water within the carbonator unit is also chilled as it flows therethrough
Implementation Method 2
causing convection currents of the fluid within a carbonator
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system for use in a beverage dispenser, the cooling system including: a cold plate having a top surface and a side surface; a carbonator arranged in a non-horizontal orientation relative to the cold plate, the carbonator having a sidewall, a lower uninsulated portion of the sidewall of the carbonator being in thermal communication with the side surface of the cold plate; and a fastener coupling the carbonator to the cold plate, the fastener having a lower thermal conductivity as compared to a thermal conductivity of the carbonator.