Beverage Dispenser Adapter for Credential-Based Retrofit Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage machines lack the ability to adapt to reusable cups and flexible payment systems, necessitating costly replacements.
Innovation Solution
An adapter that integrates a circuit board, processor, reader, and switch to control beverage dispensing based on user credentials, allowing existing machines to be retrofitted for advanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing beverage machines are replaced with new modernized machines, then the ability to use reusable cups and flexible payment systems is improved, but the cost and complexity of deployment worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two parts: the existing beverage machine remains unchanged, and a separate adapter unit is added to provide modernization features. This segmentation allows the machine to gain new capabilities without replacing the entire system, reducing cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
An adapter unit serves as an intermediary between the customer and the existing beverage machine. The adapter includes a processor, reader, and switch that mediate the interaction, enabling credential verification and controlled access to the machine's functions without modifying the machine itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the key switch circuit is accessed and modified to integrate payment systems, then flexible payment capability is improved, but the reliability of the existing circuit worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter uses a flexible circuit board that can be connected to the existing key switch circuit terminals. This flexible connection method allows integration with the existing circuit without permanent modification or stress on the original wiring, maintaining reliability while adding payment capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a reader and processor are integrated into the key switch circuit, then credential verification capability is improved, but the device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The credential verification system is segmented into separate components (reader, processor, switch) that are housed in an external adapter unit. This keeps the complexity contained in a modular add-on rather than integrating it into the main machine, making the system easier to understand and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter unit serves multiple functions: it houses the reader for credential verification, the processor for decision-making, and the switch for circuit control. By consolidating these functions in a single multi-functional unit, the overall device complexity is managed more effectively than adding separate components throughout the machine.
Data Source
AI summary
The adapter of the present disclosure includes a circuit board with a processor and a switch thereon and a reader or transceiver connected to the board. With the adapter, a technician can retrofit an existing beverage machine to upgrade the dispensing and payment systems associated therewith. Existing beverage machines include a locking circuit that is key-enabled. This circuit allows an owner or technician to selectively allow and prevent beverage and/or ice from being dispensed. A technician can install the adapter of the present disclosure into the existing locking circuit. The board and transceiver of the adapter will detect when a user is authorized to obtain beverages, and close the circuit to enable this. To dispense beverage and/or ice, a user will present a valid credential to the board and transceiver. When no authorized user provides a valid credential, no beverage can be dispensed. The adapter can use a number of communication technologies to determine authorization. The adapter of the present disclosure can also include or work in conjunction with a mobile app on a user's device, that can check with a server to ensure that the user has paid for the beverage. A method of operating a beverage dispensing machine and retrofitting a beverage dispensing machine is also provided.