V-friction coupling beverage dispenser with disposable biodegradable container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beverage dispensing systems are limited by the need for multiple devices to handle different temperatures and types of beverages, require ice for chilling, and often result in waste, high costs, and environmental impact due to steel kegs and transportation issues.
Innovation Solution
A versatile, all-in-one beverage dispensing system with a V-friction coupling for airtight seals, beverage flavor pods, temperature control, and CO2 management, allowing for hot or chilled, carbonated or non-carbonated beverages from a single container made of biodegradable materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple beverage dispensers are used to handle different temperatures and types of beverages, then beverage variety and temperature control are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage dispenser is designed with a universal spout assembly that can handle both hot and chilled beverages, carbonated and non-carbonated drinks through a single device. The system incorporates a heater assembly, cooler assembly, and carbonation system within one dispenser unit, eliminating the need for multiple specialized dispensers and achieving multi-functionality in a single apparatus
2Temperature
If ice is used to chill beverages in dispensers without refrigeration systems, then cooling capability is improved, but additional components and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes disposable ice liners as a simple, cost-effective cooling solution. These biodegradable ice liners are placed in the spout assembly to chill beverages on-demand without requiring complex refrigeration systems, mechanical coolers, or ongoing maintenance of cooling components
3Quantity of substance
If steel kegs are used for beverage storage and dispensing, then beverage storage capability is improved, but environmental impact and transportation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs disposable beverage containers made from biodegradable materials such as plant-based plastics or paper. These single-use containers eliminate the need for steel kegs that require washing, refilling, and transportation back to breweries, thereby reducing environmental impact and associated costs while maintaining adequate beverage storage capacity
4Reliability
If V-friction coupling with airtight seal is implemented, then beverage preservation and prevention of oxidation are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The V-friction coupling system utilizes composite materials including a V-shaped friction surface made of materials with high friction coefficients combined with elastomeric sealing elements. This combination ensures that the airtight seal is achieved through material properties rather than relying solely on precise geometric tolerances, thereby maintaining beverage preservation while reducing manufacturing precision requirements
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 system provides convenience, efficiency, and environmental responsibility by enabling the dispensing of various beverages from a single unit, reducing waste and transportation costs, while maintaining beverage quality and extending shelf life.
Implementation Method 1
V-friction coupling is provided that establishes airtight seal
Implementation Method 2
beverage pumps to pump the beverage
Implementation Method 3
beverage heater and the pump are part of top lift lid of dispenser, such that the beverage pump draws the beverage from the keg/beverage container and pushes it through the heater
Implementation Method 4
refrigeration systems to cool the beverages and/or keep them at a set or selected temperature
Implementation Method 5
CO2 control valve selector is provided allowing for carbonation to flow into beverage keg
Data Source
AI summary
A container comprising a female coupling configured to receive and establish a friction seal with a male coupling of an external device for inserting or extracting a liquid to or from the container after the friction seal is established between the female and male couplings.