Apparatus and method for automated preparation and delivery of beverages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Upscale retail beverage locations face challenges in efficiently preparing and delivering a wide range of premium beverages in limited space and high traffic areas, requiring high throughput without human assistance.
Innovation Solution
An automated apparatus with multiple interchangeable beverage dispensing systems, including cup dispensers, transfer mechanisms, and conveyors, capable of preparing and delivering various beverages without human interaction, featuring cup turret assemblies, laser marking for ingredient identification, and automated pick-up stations with rotating conveyors for timed delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple beverage dispensing systems are integrated into a single automated apparatus, then beverage variety and throughput are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into separate functional modules including cup dispensers, beverage dispensing systems, transfer mechanisms, and pick-up stations. Each module operates independently but coordinates through automated control, allowing the system to handle multiple beverage types while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer mechanism serves multiple functions: it transports cups between different beverage dispensing systems, positions cups for filling, and delivers finished beverages to pick-up stations. This multi-functional component reduces the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each beverage type, thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Productivity
If automated cup transfer mechanisms operate along multiple perpendicular axes, then delivery speed and throughput are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer mechanism utilizes three mutually perpendicular axes (first axis for horizontal movement, second axis for vertical movement, third axis for depth movement) to transport cups between beverage dispensing systems and pick-up stations. This three-dimensional transport capability enables simultaneous handling of multiple beverage types and sizes, significantly increasing throughput while the modular axis design keeps complexity manageable.
3Loss of time
If automated conveyors with timed rotation are used at pick-up stations, then service time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated conveyor at the pick-up station rotates to position the prepared beverage in advance before the customer arrives to collect it. This preliminary positioning action eliminates waiting time for customers while the conveyor's simple rotational mechanism and automated control keep the added complexity minimal.
4Area of stationary object
If the apparatus is designed to occupy minimal space, then rent cost is reduced, but beverage preparation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs a compact vertical arrangement where cup dispensers, beverage dispensing systems, and transfer mechanisms are stacked and nested within a small footprint. The three-axis transfer mechanism efficiently utilizes vertical space, allowing multiple beverage preparation stations to be accommodated in a compact configuration that maintains full beverage variety while minimizing floor space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning from horizontal to vertical space utilization through the three-axis transfer mechanism and stacked module arrangement, the apparatus accommodates a wide range of beverage preparation functions within a minimal footprint, effectively trading horizontal area for vertical capacity.
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
Enables high-throughput preparation and delivery of high-quality beverages in a small space, optimizing space usage and reducing service time, while ensuring accurate billing and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a laser configured to mark information about the beverage ordered by the customer directly onto the cup
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for automated preparation and delivery of a beverage. A first cup-transfer-mechanism is configured to receive a cup from a cup dispenser and to move the cup along a first axis within the apparatus during the preparation of the beverage. A second cup-transfer mechanism is configured to receive the cup containing the beverage from the first cup-transfer mechanism after the beverage has been prepared, wherein the second cup-transfer mechanism is configured to move the cup along at least one of a second axis and a third axis within the apparatus, wherein the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis are mutually perpendicular. A pick-up station where the customer picks up its beverage is configured to receive the cup from the second cup-transfer mechanism and to make room to receive subsequent cups without requiring human interaction. Multiple beverages can be prepared and delivered simultaneously.