Beverage Connector Electrical Sensor Bubble Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage dispense systems face challenges in accurately detecting bubbles in the beverage flow, leading to unnecessary closure of the beverage line due to contamination and the inability to monitor beverage identity and brand, which affects sales monitoring and supply planning.

Innovation Solution

An electrical sensor system that measures electrical parameters such as conductivity, resistivity, dielectric constant, permittivity, capacitance, and inductance within the beverage flow path, using capacitive sensors to detect bubbles and identify beverage types and brands, providing feedback for remote monitoring and automated line closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an optical sensor is used to detect bubbles in the beverage line, then bubble detection capability is provided, but contaminants build-up obscures the light path causing false positives and unnecessary line closure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebubble detection accuracyVSAvoidfalse positive rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the optical sensor system with an electrical sensor that measures electrical parameters (conductivity, resistivity, dielectric constant, permittivity, capacitance, or inductance) of the beverage. This substitution eliminates the light path obstruction problem caused by yeast and contaminant build-up, as electrical measurements are not affected by optical opacity. The electrical sensor provides reliable bubble detection without false positives from contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the beverage line is closed to remove bubbles, then bubble presence is addressed, but beverage flow is disrupted and supply changes are delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebubble detection reliabilityVSAvoidbeverage supply efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By using an electrical sensor instead of an optical sensor, the system achieves reliable bubble detection without false alarms from contaminants. This reliability allows the system to maintain beverage flow continuity and only close the line when bubbles are actually present, thereby improving supply efficiency and reducing unnecessary interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical sensor provides continuous feedback on the electrical parameters of the beverage, enabling real-time monitoring of bubble presence. This feedback mechanism allows for timely and accurate detection, ensuring that line closure actions are taken only when necessary, thus maintaining high productivity while ensuring reliable bubble management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If traditional sensor systems are used, then basic bubble detection is achieved, but beverage identity and brand monitoring capabilities are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebubble detection capabilityVSAvoidbeverage identity information

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects bubbles by measuring changes in electrical parameters and simultaneously identifies beverage type and brand by analyzing the unique electrical signature of different beverages. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensing systems and prevents loss of beverage identity information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes changes in electrical parameters (conductivity, resistivity, dielectric constant, permittivity, capacitance, or inductance) to differentiate between various beverage types and brands. Each beverage has characteristic electrical properties that serve as its identity signature, allowing the sensor to monitor both bubble presence and beverage identity using the same measurement parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 electrical sensor system effectively detects bubbles early, minimizes false positives from contaminants, and accurately identifies beverages, enabling timely supply management and sales analysis without disrupting the beverage flow.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical sensor for measuring an electrical parameter of a beverage within the beverage flow path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The electrical properties of the beverage will change if it contains bubbles (since air/carbon dioxide has a lower dielectric constant than a liquid beverage)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric Constant: Dielectric

Implementation Method 3

measuring an electrical parameter of a beverage within the beverage flow path... capacitance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20230096289A1connector

Publication Date: 2023.03.30 HEINEKEN UK

AI summary

The present invention provides a connector for use in a beverage dispense system, the connector defining a conduit for connecting a beverage line to a beverage supply. The connector comprises an electrical sensor (e.g. a capacitive sensor) for measuring an electrical parameter of a beverage within the connector conduit. The electrical parameter and/or changes in the electrical parameter can be used to detect bubbles in the beverage and/or identify the type/brand of beverage.