Modular Beverage Additive Dispensing System with Flow-Through Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage preparation systems face challenges in providing a modular, efficient, and easily cleanable solution that allows consumers to choose flavors just before preparation while preventing cross-contamination and fouling.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing dedicated flow-through beverage additive dispensing devices connected in series, each with its own actuator to control the flow of additives, allowing for modular configuration and easy cleaning, along with a control unit to manage the preparation process and ensure hygienic handling of additives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated flow-through beverage additive dispensing devices are used, then cross-contamination between flavours is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of cross-contaminationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into multiple independent dispensing devices, each dedicated to a specific flavour or additive. Each device has its own mixing chamber, actuator, and flow path, preventing cross-contamination while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dispensing devices are designed with universal components that can handle different types of beverage additives (syrups, concentrates, powders). The flow-through design and standardized interfaces allow the same device structure to serve multiple flavour varieties without requiring completely separate systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple beverage additive containers are provided, then flavour variety is increased, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflavour varietyVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple beverage additive containers are merged into a single integrated dispensing device through the flow-through mixing chamber design. The actuator controls multiple containers simultaneously, allowing users to select complex flavour combinations with a single operation rather than manually managing separate dispensers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically manages multiple beverage additive containers through automated actuators that control dispensing based on user selection. The flow-through design enables automatic flushing and cleaning between different flavours, eliminating manual intervention for container switching and system maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If flow-through design is implemented, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but loss of substance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidadditive waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The flow-through design maintains continuous fluid flow through the mixing chambers during both beverage preparation and cleaning cycles. This continuous action efficiently removes residues without requiring multiple separate cleaning steps, improving cleaning productivity while minimizing the volume of cleaning fluid needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system recovers and redirects the cleaning fluid after it has performed its cleaning function. The flow-through design allows cleaning fluid to be collected and reused for subsequent cleaning operations or diluted and returned to the beverage supply, reducing overall substance loss while maintaining high cleaning efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 efficient preparation and cleaning of beverages, allowing consumers to choose additives freely while preventing cross-contamination and fouling, making the system suitable for both home and commercial use.

Implementation Method 1

at least one primary pump for causing fluid originating from the fluid dispensing line to flow through at least two beverage additive dispensing devices connected in series

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

Each beverage additive dispensing device typically comprises its own actuator to be able individually open or close a beverage additive container during the preparing of a beverage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4069626B1System and method for preparing a beverage

Publication Date: 2024.10.23 CRAFTWORKS HLDG BV

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Figure 3a~3c

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for preparing a beverage (100), comprising at least one fluid dispensing line (101) for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water, a plurality of beverage additive dispensing devices (102) connected in series with each other to said fluid dispensing line (101); at least one primary pump (103) situated downstream of the beverage additive dispensing devices (102) and upstream of a discharge opening; at least one non-pressurised fluid reservoir (110) connected to the at least one fluid dispensing line (101) and a return line (114), connected downstream of the beverage additive dispensing devices (102) and configured to return fluid, led through at least two beverage additive dispensing devices (102), back into the reservoir (110).