Beverage Dilution Control via Flow Detection and Pump Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing machines struggle to maintain a consistent dilution ratio due to variations in municipal water supply pressure and flow rate, requiring frequent manual calibration of choke valves and limiting the range of usable dilution ratios.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a detecting unit to measure water flow and transmit data to control means, which adjusts the volumetric pump's power supply to maintain the desired dilution ratio, eliminating the need for a choke valve and allowing a broader range of dilution ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual calibration of choke valve is used to maintain dilution ratio, then dilution ratio consistency is improved under stable water supply conditions, but the system requires frequent maintenance and has limited adaptability to water supply variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a detecting unit continuously monitors water flow parameters and transmits data to control means. The control means automatically adjusts the volumetric pump's power supply based on detected water flow variations, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that maintains consistent dilution ratio despite changes in municipal water supply conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical choke valve calibration system with an electronic control system. Instead of manually adjusting mechanical choke valves to regulate water flow, the system uses electronic detection of water flow parameters and electronic control of the volumetric pump's power supply, substituting mechanical adjustment with electronic automation.
2Manufacturing precision
If choke valve is used to regulate water flow for dilution ratio control, then dilution ratio can be maintained, but the device complexity increases and manual calibration is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the choke valve component from the system. By removing the choke valve and its associated manual calibration mechanism, the system reduces device complexity while maintaining dilution ratio control through the detecting unit and electronic control of the volumetric pump.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service automation where the detecting unit automatically detects water flow conditions and the control means automatically adjusts the volumetric pump operation. This eliminates the need for manual calibration and operation by users, making the system self-regulating.
3Device complexity
If fixed power supply to volumetric pump is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but dilution ratio varies with water supply pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static fixed power supply system to a dynamic power supply system. The control means varies the power supply to the volumetric pump based on real-time water flow detection, making the system adaptive and dynamic rather than fixed, thereby maintaining consistent dilution ratio under varying water supply conditions.
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
This solution ensures precise and consistent dilution ratios independent of water supply conditions, expanding the range of usable dilution ratios and reducing the need for manual calibration and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a detecting unit (22) of the water flow, connected to the control means (20), for detecting the water flow which, from the municipal water supply, flows towards the outlet (5) of the valve (3)
Implementation Method 2
a volumetric pump (10) for aspirating internally thereof the food concentrate mixture and water, and for mixing them with one another
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Apparatus for preparing and dispensing a diluted beverage (1), comprising: a mains water inlet (2); a valve (3) for opening or shutting water flow; a food concentrate container (6); an outlet (8) for the beverage; a user interface (9) for commanding dispensing of the beverage; a volumetric pump (10) for drawing and mixing the food concentrate and water. The volumetric pump (10) is in fluid communication with the valve (3) outlet (5) and with the beverage (8) outlet. The apparatus (1), further comprises: a first conduit (13), a first end (14) of which is connected to the outlet (7) of the food concentrate container; and a second end (15) of which is connected to the volumetric pump inlet (12); a second conduit (16), a third end (17) of which is in fluid communication with the valve outlet (5); and a fourth end (18) of which is connected to an intermediate portion (19) of the first conduit (13); control means (20) which activate the valve (3) and the volumetric pump (10). The second conduit (16) comprises a section narrowing (21) for regulating the outflow velocity of the water entering the first conduit (13). The apparatus (1), further comprises a detecting unit (22) for detecting the quantity of water flowing from the water inlet (2), connected to the control means (20). The control means (20) activate the volumetric pump (10) so as to regulate the flow of food concentrate and water in response of the data received by the detecting unit (22).