Automated beverage dispensing system with ice and beverage dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional beverage dispensers require significant storage space for large bag-in-box containers of beverage bases, limiting the variety of options and efficiency in quick service environments, whereas micro-ingredient technology offers a more compact solution but lacks integration for behind-the-counter applications.
Innovation Solution
An automated beverage dispenser system that uses a weight sensor to determine the target volume of beverage based on the weight of ice dispensed, allowing for precise dispensing of both ice and beverage into a cup, enabling efficient and varied beverage options without extensive storage needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If large bag-in-box containers of beverage bases are used, then sufficient beverage supply is ensured, but significant storage space is required and multiple containers are needed for variety
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage base is segmented into highly concentrated micro-ingredients that can be stored in small packages and combined at the point of dispensing. This segmentation allows the system to maintain beverage variety while dramatically reducing storage space requirements, as each micro-ingredient package is much smaller than traditional bag-in-box containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the concentration parameter of the beverage base by using highly concentrated micro-ingredients with reconstitution ratios of 10:1 or higher. This parameter change allows the same beverage supply to be achieved with much smaller storage volumes, resolving the contradiction between beverage supply quantity and storage space.
2Ease of operation
If traditional beverage dispensers are used, then simple operation is achieved, but beverage variety and customization options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The automated beverage dispenser is designed as a multi-functional system that can dispense numerous different beverage types and formulations using the same micro-ingredient technology platform. This universal system provides both operational simplicity and extensive beverage variety, allowing venues to offer dozens of different beverages without complex manual preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated controls that manage the complex micro-ingredient mixing process, eliminating the need for manual preparation while maintaining beverage variety. The automated dispenser handles the complexity of combining multiple micro-ingredients, allowing users to simply select from numerous beverage options without requiring knowledge of the underlying mixing processes.
3Area of stationary object
If micro-ingredients are used, then storage space is reduced, but integration for behind-the-counter applications is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the micro-ingredient storage and dispensing functions into a single integrated automated beverage dispenser unit. This consolidation combines what were previously separate components (micro-ingredient packages, mixing mechanisms, and dispensing systems) into one unified device that is specifically designed for behind-the-counter commercial applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated dispenser acts as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between micro-ingredient technology and commercial beverage service. It translates the complex process of micro-ingredient mixing into a user-friendly interface suitable for behind-the-counter operations, making micro-ingredient technology practical for commercial venues.
4Measurement precision
If precise beverage dispensing is implemented using weight sensors, then beverage volume accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses weight sensors to provide real-time feedback on the amount of ice and beverage dispensed. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to automatically adjust dispensing parameters to achieve precise target volumes, improving measurement accuracy while the automation masks the underlying system complexity from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual measurement and estimation methods with electronic weight sensing and automated control. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with electronic measurement and control systems improves precision while the automation handles the complexity, presenting a simple interface to the user.
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 fast and efficient service by accurately dispensing the correct volume of beverage and ice, accommodating multiple options and customization, while minimizing storage requirements, thus addressing the limitations of traditional dispensers.
Implementation Method 1
the control device is operable to instruct the ice dispensing station to dispense a predetermined amount of ice into the cup, determine a target volume of the beverage to dispense into the cup based on the weight of the predetermined amount of ice dispensed into the cup as determined by the weight sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application provides an automated beverage dispenser for dispensing a beverage and ice into a cup. The automated beverage dispenser may include an ice dispensing station with an ice auger and a weight sensor, a beverage dispensing station, and a control device. The control device instructs the ice auger to fill the cup with a predetermined amount of ice and instructs the beverage dispensing station to fill the cup with a predetermined amount of the beverage in response to a weight of the cup as determined by the weight sensor.