Beverage Dispense Valve Control for Foam Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage dispense systems face challenges in maintaining beverage quality due to over-carbonation and microorganism growth, which can occur when beverage supply containers are connected for extended periods, leading to quality issues and operational problems with foam sensors.
Innovation Solution
A beverage dispense system that includes a sensor to detect depletion of the beverage supply container, a valve to control the beverage line, and a processor to determine the elapsed time between valve opening and closure events, allowing for improved maintenance and quality management by identifying potential issues related to over-carbonation and microorganism growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If pressurised gas is constantly applied to the beverage supply container to move beverage along the line, then beverage flow is maintained, but over-carbonation occurs affecting beverage quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by controlling the valve to open and close based on beverage depletion detection. The valve opens to allow gas flow when beverage is available and closes when depleted, preventing continuous gas application that causes over-carbonation while maintaining beverage flow during active dispensing periods
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the beverage supply container is connected to the system for extended periods, then operational continuity is maintained, but microorganism growth and beverage deterioration occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through the sensor that detects beverage depletion and signals the valve to close. This feedback mechanism enables timely disconnection of depleted containers and prevents extended connection periods that lead to microorganism growth, while allowing continuous operation through prompt container replacement
3Productivity
If the valve remains open to allow continuous beverage flow, then service availability is maintained, but foam enters the line when the container is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by detecting beverage depletion before foam enters the line. The sensor identifies when the beverage container is depleted and triggers valve closure in advance, preventing foam contamination while maintaining dispenser availability through prompt container replacement
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 system effectively manages beverage quality by determining elapsed times to prevent over-carbonation and microorganism growth, ensuring timely replacement of supply containers and reducing foam-related operational issues, thereby maintaining the quality of dispensed beverages.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to detect whether a beverage supply container connected to the beverage line is substantially depleted of beverage
Implementation Method 2
a valve operatively connected to the sensor, the valve moveable between: an open position in which beverage is able to flow along the beverage line; and a closed position in which flow of beverage along the beverage line is prevented by the valve
Implementation Method 3
When the beverage is carbonated, it will typically be moved along the beverage line by way of pressurised gas (such as CO2 or a mixed gas) supplied to the beverage supply container
Data Source
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AI summary
A beverage dispense system comprising a beverage line connectable between a beverage supply container and a beverage dispenser, a sensor configured to detect whether a beverage supply container connected to the beverage line is substantially depleted of beverage, and a valve operatively connected to the sensor. The valve is moveable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position beverage is able to flow along the beverage line. In the closed position, flow of beverage along the beverage line is prevented by the valve. The valve is configured to move to the closed position in response to detection by the sensor that a beverage supply container connected to the beverage line is substantially depleted of beverage. The beverage dispense system further comprises a processor configured to determine an elapsed time between an opening event indicative of movement of the valve to the open position and a closure event indicative of movement of the valve to the closed position in response to detection that the beverage supply container is substantially depleted of beverage.