Beer Mixing Facility with Segmented Tanks and Dynamic Proportion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beer dispensing facilities in establishments cannot offer customers the ability to choose between different types of beer at the time of consumption without changing the barrels or tanks, limiting the variety of beers available.
Innovation Solution
A beer dispensing facility with multiple tanks containing specific base products, each connected to a mixing apparatus that allows for the regulation of proportions of base beer, alcohol, coloring, and bittering agents to create a customizable end product, using a purge and empty barrel detection system and remotely controlled flow rate regulation for efficient mixing and consumption control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If beer is stored in fixed barrels or tanks, then storage efficiency is improved, but the ability to offer different beer types at dispensation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The beer storage system is segmented into multiple separate tanks, each containing a different base beer type. Instead of using single large barrels, the system divides storage into specialized compartments (Tank 1 for base beer, Tank 2 for alcohol, Tank 3 for coloring, Tank 4 for bittering agents), allowing independent management and combination of different beer components at dispensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing apparatus serves multiple functions: it can combine different base beers, add alcohol, adjust coloring, and modify bitterness levels. This single multi-functional device replaces the need for separate storage and dispensing systems for each beer type, enabling one system to handle diverse beer varieties.
2Adaptability or versatility
If barrels or tanks are changed to offer different beer types, then beer variety is improved, but operational complexity and time loss are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Different base beers and components are prepared in advance and stored in separate tanks before dispensation. The system performs preliminary segmentation of beer components, so that during dispensation, only the mixing proportions need to be adjusted rather than physically changing barrels or tanks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static barrel-based dispensing to dynamic mixing-based dispensing. The mixing apparatus can dynamically adjust the proportions of base beer, alcohol, coloring, and bittering agents in real-time, allowing continuous variation of beer types without physical changes to storage containers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mixing apparatus is added to create customizable beer, then beer variety and customer choice are improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing apparatus combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: it mixes base beers, adds alcohol, adjusts coloring, and modifies bitterness. By merging these separate operations into one apparatus, the system reduces overall complexity compared to having separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing apparatus acts as an intermediary between the storage tanks and the dispensing system. It receives different base beer components from separate tanks, processes them through controlled mixing, and delivers the final customized beer product, simplifying the interface between storage and dispensation.
4Ease of operation
If real-time beer composition control is implemented, then customer choice is improved, but control system complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system controls beer composition by changing parameters (proportions of base beer, alcohol, coloring, and bittering agents) rather than changing physical components. By adjusting mixing ratios and concentrations, the system can create different beer types through parameter variation alone, simplifying control compared to physical reconfiguration.
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 real-time selection and creation of beer varieties without changing barrels, improving operational efficiency, usability, and customer choice by allowing precise control over beer composition and consumption monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a mixing apparatus (4), wherein the base product of each tank goes through a purge and empty barrel detection apparatus (5), to the mixing apparatus (4), such that each base component or product (2) is connected with an inlet of the mixing apparatus (4) through the purge and empty barrel detection apparatus (5)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a beer dispensing facility and a dispensation process comprising a plurality of tanks (1), wherein each tank (1) comprises a specific base product (2) with a different composition; and at least one dispensing tap (3) connected to the outlet of a mixing apparatus (4); and where, in said facility, the base product (2) of each tank (1) goes through a purge and empty barrel detection apparatus (5) to the mixing apparatus (4), such that each base component or product (2) is connected with an inlet of the mixing apparatus (4) through the purge and empty barrel detection apparatus (5).