Automated Beverage Color Customization Using 3D Color Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beverage dispensing systems require significant manual effort, especially for viscous sauces, leading to arm fatigue and errors, and lack customization options for customers, with complex recipe memorization and high environmental impact from disposable pumps.
Innovation Solution
An automated dispensing system using modular dispensers that can dispense ingredients without manual force, guided by a user interface, allowing for customizable beverage colors through three-dimensional color mapping and ingredient ratio adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual mechanical pumps are used to dispense viscous sauces and syrups, then the dispensing function is achieved, but arm fatigue and operational errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pumps with an automated dispensing system that uses electronic controllers and automated pump mechanisms. The system eliminates the need for manual lever operation by implementing automated control through a processor that receives customer input and automatically dispenses the correct quantities of ingredients, thereby reducing arm fatigue and improving dispensing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where customers can directly input their color preferences and the system automatically performs the dispensing operation. The automated pump system self-regulates the dispensing process based on pre-programmed parameters, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing operational errors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed recipe beverages are dispensed, then operational simplicity is maintained, but customer customization options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic dispensing system where the ingredient ratios and colors can be adjusted in real-time based on customer preferences. The system transitions from fixed recipes to variable formulations by allowing customers to select from different color options, with the processor dynamically calculating and adjusting the dispensing quantities of various colored syrups and sauces to achieve the desired beverage color.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes by allowing customers to specify their desired beverage color, which triggers the processor to adjust the dispensing parameters (quantities of different colored ingredients) accordingly. The system maintains manageability by using pre-defined color profiles and automated calculations, transforming complex multi-ingredient formulations into simple customer-friendly color selections.
3Productivity
If disposable mechanical pumps are used, then individual portion dispensing is achieved, but environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a system that eliminates the need for disposable pumps by using reusable, automated dispensing equipment. The system recovers and reuses the same pump mechanisms for multiple dispensing operations, with automated cleaning functions that sanitize the dispensing components between uses. This replaces the single-use disposable pump model with a sustainable reusable system, significantly reducing environmental waste while maintaining high dispensing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure generally relates to a system for creating color-customizable customized beverages (e.g., adding various color ingredients to a beverage to customize the color of the beverage). The system may obtain color mappings (e.g., manual color mappings) that map particular color ingredients to particular colors. The system can generate a three-dimensional color map based on the color mappings to identify additional color mappings. The system can receive a request for a particular beverage with a particular color, and based on the three-dimensional color map, the system can identify a color mapping for the particular color. The system can output an instruction set for the color mapping and/or can cause an automated dispensing platform to dispense one or more particular color ingredients for the beverage based on the color mapping.