Methods and systems for forming customized beverages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage preparation in coffee stores is inefficient due to manual retrieval of ingredients and reliance on baristas' memory for customized orders, leading to errors, increased labor costs, and waste, especially as more ingredients and methods are introduced.
Innovation Solution
A system that dynamically generates computer-executable build instructions for customized beverages, assigning portions to corresponding substations for precise ingredient dispensing and action execution, reducing manual intervention and improving coordination between steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual retrieval and assembly of ingredients is used, then baristas can handle customized orders, but errors increase and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated ingredient retrieval and dispensing. The barista simply selects the desired beverage on the touchscreen interface, and the system automatically retrieves ingredients from storage containers and dispenses them into the preparation vessel, eliminating manual retrieval and assembly while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated mechanical system. The touchscreen interface substitutes for human decision-making, the automated retrieval mechanism substitutes for manual ingredient collection, and the controlled dispensing system substitutes for manual pouring and measuring, thereby reducing errors and labor intensity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more ingredients and preparation methods are introduced, then beverage customization increases, but complexity of preparation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality through a single multi-functional platform that can handle numerous different ingredients and preparation methods. The touchscreen interface recognizes various beverage types and customizations, the retrieval system accommodates multiple ingredient storage containers, and the dispensing mechanism adapts to different ingredient types, allowing extensive customization without increasing operational complexity for the barista.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the barista's simple touchscreen input and the complex coordinated actions required for preparation. It translates a single button press into a sequence of automated operations including container selection, ingredient retrieval, precise dispensing, and timing coordination, thereby hiding the complexity from the user while enabling versatile customization.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated ingredient dispensing is implemented, then consistency improves and labor costs reduce, but initial system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual ingredient dispensing with an automated mechanical dispensing system controlled by the touchscreen interface. The system automatically measures and dispenses precise amounts of ingredients based on the selected beverage recipe, ensuring consistency in portion sizes and ingredient ratios while reducing dependence on barista skill and attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to ensure precise dispensing. The touchscreen interface provides visual confirmation of ingredient addition, the system tracks inventory levels in real-time, and it can detect when dispensing is complete or when ingredients need replenishment, allowing for self-correction and consistent precision across all beverage preparations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for preparing a beverage can include receiving one or more drink orders and adding the one or more drink orders on a queue. The method can also include receiving a selection of the one or more drink orders on the queue and building one or more recipes for the selected drink orders on the queue. The method can further include sending build steps from the one or more recipes to corresponding substations. For each of the build steps, the method can include instructing the corresponding substation to dispense an ingredient or execute an action. The method can also include determining each of the build steps have been completed by a user.