In-Store Beverage Container Filling With Automated Foam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retail environments lack a consumer-operable beverage filling system that can dispense high-quality beverages directly from large supply containers like kegs, requiring minimal maintenance and no specialized personnel, while ensuring efficient and hygienic operation.
Innovation Solution
A consumer-operable retail beverage container filling arrangement comprising a housing with a beverage dispensing unit, consumer interaction module, and dispensing controller, allowing automatic filling of bottles or cans without specialized knowledge, with features like optical sensors, pressure control, and disposable dispensing lines to ensure cleanliness and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a commercial filling device like CrafTap 3.0 is used, then beverage can be dispensed from large supply containers, but the device requires manual manipulation and specialized knowledge to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables consumers to autonomously fill their own bottles using automated dispensing technology. The consumer places a bottle in the holder and presses a button, after which the system automatically controls the filling process without requiring manual manipulation of valves or pressure controls
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical control of filling valves and pressure regulation is replaced by an automated electronic control system. The dispensing controller receives consumer input and automatically manages the dispensing process, substituting complex manual mechanical operations with simplified electronic control
2Reliability
If factory-filled bottles are used, then beverages are readily available, but quality and flavour are degraded due to exposure to light and temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the beverage storage function from the dispensing function. Large supply containers store beverage in optimal conditions (protected from light and temperature variations), while the dispensing unit provides on-demand filling, eliminating the need for premature bottling and transportation
Solution Approach 2:
Beverage is prepared and stored in large supply containers under optimal conditions before dispensing. The system maintains beverage quality through preliminary proper storage, then dispenses only when needed, avoiding degradation that occurs during extended storage in finished bottles
3Productivity
If manual filling control is used, then filling speed can be adjusted, but foam generation becomes uncontrolled and hygiene is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect bottle fill level and provide feedback to the dispensing controller. This closed-loop control allows the system to automatically regulate filling speed and stop at the appropriate level, preventing overfilling and excessive foam generation
Solution Approach 2:
Manual control of filling speed is replaced by automated electronic control through the dispensing controller. The system electronically manages the dispensing valve and flow rate, providing precise control over filling speed while maintaining hygiene through consistent, repeatable operation
Data Source
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AI summary
A consumer operable retail beverage container filling arrangement for use in a retail environment is provided, comprising a housing, a beverage dispensing unit for dispensing a beverage, comprising a retail beverage container holder for receiving and holding a retail beverage container, wherein the beverage dispensing unit is at least partially provided in the housing, a consumer interaction module for receiving a consumer input and generating a consumer control signal based on the received consumer input, and a dispensing controller arranged for receiving the consumer control signal and controlling the beverage dispensing unit to dispense the beverage in accordance with the consumer control signal.