Automated Beverage Tipping Tap with Foam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual beer dispensing is time-consuming and prone to inconsistencies, leading to delays and undesirable overpours or underpours in busy establishments, as it requires skill to achieve the right foam level and volume.
Innovation Solution
An automated beverage tipping tap system that adjusts the glass angle and controls the beer flow to achieve a consistent foam level and accurate volume, featuring a cradle that moves between positions to dispense beer efficiently and track dispensing data for alerts and inventory management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual beer dispensing is used, then foam control can be achieved through bar tender skill, but dispensing time increases to 20-40 seconds per glass
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by having the automated tipping tap perform the entire dispensing operation without human intervention. The microprocessor-controlled valve automatically dispenses the first volume at an initial tilt angle, then automatically tilts the glass to a second angle and dispenses the second volume, eliminating the need for skilled bar tenders and reducing dispensing time while maintaining consistent foam control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by dynamically changing the glass tilt angle during the dispensing process. The glass transitions from an initial tilted position to a second, more upright position during dispensing. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to control foam formation by changing the pouring angle, thereby achieving precise foam control without manual intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual beer dispensing is used, then foam control can be achieved through pouring technique, but volume consistency becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through a flow sensor that continuously monitors the volumetric flow of beer during dispensing. The microprocessor receives real-time data from the flow sensor and adjusts the valve opening and glass tilt angle accordingly to maintain the desired volume and foam level. This closed-loop control ensures consistent volume delivery while simplifying operation, as the system automatically compensates for variations in pouring speed and foam formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical skill-based pouring technique with an automated electromechanical system. The microprocessor-controlled valve and automated glass tilting mechanism substitute for the bar tender's manual dexterity, providing precise and consistent volume control. This substitution eliminates the variability inherent in manual pouring while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
3Productivity
If automated tipping tap system is implemented, then dispensing speed and consistency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple capabilities into a single automated tipping tap device. The microprocessor-controlled valve handles both flow control and volume measurement, the flow sensor provides real-time monitoring for feedback control, and the automated glass tilting mechanism combines positioning and pouring angle adjustment. This consolidation of functions into one device achieves high dispensing speed and consistency while managing complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated tipping tap system performs self-service by automatically executing the entire dispensing sequence without external intervention. The microprocessor controls the valve opening, monitors flow through the sensor, adjusts glass tilt angle, and determines when to stop dispensing based on pre-programmed parameters. This automation achieves high productivity while the system's self-regulating nature simplifies operation and reduces the need for complex external control mechanisms.
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 enables rapid and consistent beer dispensing, reducing manual labor, minimizing over/underpours, and providing real-time tracking for inventory management, enhancing customer service and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the cradle configured to hold a glass and to be moved between a first position and a second position
Implementation Method 2
a flow sensor along a fluid flow path to determine a volumetric flow of beer along the fluid flow path
Implementation Method 3
The head (e.g., foam) of a beer is a result of nucleation that causes carbon dioxide within the beverage to coalesce into bubbles and be released from the beverage
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage pouring device includes a cradle that is moveable between a first position and a second position under a dispensing spigot. The cradle supports a glass and moving the cradle to the second position actuates a valve to dispense beverage into the glass. After partially filling the glass, the cradle automatically returns to the first position and the device continues filling the glass to a desired volume. The device starts and stops the flow of beverage automatically to arrive at a desired volume within the glass. The automatically moving cradle helps with foam control while allowing the glass to be filled hands-free which allows the user to do other tasks while the glass is being filled. The device tracks beverage statistics and sends these statistics to a remote computing device, as well as provides an alert when the beverage source approaches emptiness.