Liquid quality managing device and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional instant cooling type beer dispensers experience a time lag in temperature drop of dispensed beer due to heat transfer characteristics, leading to temperatures higher than the target dispensing temperature, especially in high ambient temperatures and busy periods.
Innovation Solution
A liquid quality management device with a dispensing sensor and control device that controls the operation of the refrigeration machine and stirring device from the start of dispensing, ensuring the beer is maintained within a predetermined temperature range by optimizing the cooling and stirring processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the refrigeration machine and stirring device are controlled based on frozen state detection, then the cooling system can maintain operation, but there is a time lag causing beer temperature to be higher than target during dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by controlling the refrigeration machine and stirring device based on predicted freezing point timing rather than waiting for frozen state detection. The system calculates when the cooling water will reach freezing point and proactively adjusts operations before actual freezing occurs, eliminating the time lag between detection and temperature adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring cooling water temperature and adjusting refrigeration machine and stirring device operations in real-time. The control device receives temperature information and dynamically modifies cooling operations to maintain beer temperature within the target range, creating a closed-loop control system.
2Temperature
If the refrigeration machine operates continuously to maintain cooling water temperature, then cooling capacity is ensured, but energy consumption increases during low-demand periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the refrigeration machine operation dynamic rather than continuous. The control device adjusts the refrigeration machine operation state based on real-time cooling water temperature and predicted freezing point, transitioning between different operational modes (continuous operation, intermittent operation, or standby) to match actual cooling demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by adjusting refrigeration machine power input and stirring device rotation speed based on cooling water temperature. The system modifies these parameters dynamically to maintain temperature within the freezing point range while minimizing energy consumption during periods when full cooling capacity is not required.
3Productivity
If the stirring device operates at high speed to enhance heat exchange, then cooling efficiency improves, but mechanical wear and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by operating the stirring device at variable speeds rather than continuously at maximum speed. The control device adjusts stirring speed to provide sufficient heat exchange efficiency while avoiding excessive mechanical wear and energy consumption. The stirring operation is modulated to match the actual cooling demand at different times.
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
This solution provides more stable beer quality by maintaining a higher percentage of dispensed liquid within the target temperature range compared to conventional systems, particularly effective in high ambient temperatures and busy conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigeration machine circulating the refrigerant and freezing a part of the cooling water
Implementation Method 2
the beer is dispensed while being cooled with heat exchange between the beer passing through the inside of the beer cooling pipe immersed in the partially frozen cooling water and the cooling water
Implementation Method 3
the beer dispenser further includes a stirring device for stirring the cooling water in the cooling tank
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid quality management device capable of being added to a liquid supply system supplying a liquid in a storage container to a dispensing device in order to cool the liquid and dispensing the liquid into a drinking container includes: a dispensing sensor; and a control device electrically connected to the dispensing sensor and configured to perform control operation of at least one of a refrigeration machine and a stirring device provided in the dispensing device at the same time when dispensing of the liquid is started.