Beverage dispenser adapter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage dispensers are limited to dispensing beverages from a single formula source, restricting flexibility and increasing costs for sellers who need to stock multiple machines for different beverage types.

Innovation Solution

A universal adapter that includes induction coil connectors, peristaltic pumps, and a controller to enable the mixing and dispensing of various pre-packaged beverage formulas from different sources, allowing a single dispenser to accommodate multiple beverage types and strengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a beverage dispenser is designed to work with a single formula source, then the device structure remains simple and reliable, but the adaptability and versatility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to dispense multiple beverage typesVSAvoiddispenser structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter incorporates universal connectors that can interface with different formula sources (cartons, bottles, bags) through standardized connection interfaces. The peristaltic pump system is designed to handle various fluid viscosities and flow rates, enabling the same dispenser to work with multiple beverage types without requiring machine replacement or complex reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple beverage formulas are dispensed using a single machine, then operational costs decrease and flexibility increases, but the risk of formula contamination and mixing errors increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidformula dispensing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter uses separate peristaltic pumps for each formula source, with each pump dedicated to a specific beverage type. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination between different formulas. The system includes separate tubing paths and dispensing nozzles for each beverage type, ensuring that formulas remain isolated throughout the dispensing process while maintaining high operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller incorporates sensors and feedback mechanisms that monitor formula levels, pump operation status, and dispensing parameters. The system can detect when a formula source is depleted or when abnormal conditions occur, automatically adjusting operations to prevent mixing errors or contamination. This feedback system maintains reliability while enabling multi-formula operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the dispenser uses pre-packaged formulas from different manufacturers, then adaptability improves and costs decrease, but the complexity of managing different connector types and packaging formats increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different formula sourcesVSAvoidconnector and interface variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter serves as an intermediary device between the dispenser and various formula packaging formats. It includes universal connectors that can interface with different manufacturer specifications through standardized connection interfaces. The adapter's peristaltic pump system acts as a mediator that handles the transition from diverse packaging formats to a unified dispensing mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple specialized dispensers while maintaining compatibility with various formula sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 a single beverage dispenser to handle multiple beverage formulas, reducing the need for multiple machines and lowering operational costs by allowing flexibility in beverage selection and mixing ratios.

Implementation Method 1

one or more peristaltic pumps are situated. Each such pumps draws the pre-mixed formula from the carton and causes it to flow through a tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeristalsis: Peristalsis

Implementation Method 2

one or more induction coil connectors configured to dispense various quantities of pre-packaged beverage formula that for mixing with fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12459801B2Beverage dispenser adapter

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 FARMER BROTHERS CO

AI summary

A beverage dispenser adapter having at least one pump having a connector for electrical connection to an induction coil in the dispenser base dispensing a predefined amount of formula for mixing with a liquid, a formula carton connector for connecting a carton containing formula for beverage preparation, an elongated dispensing tube in a housing for fitting within the induction coil, and a controller for controlling amounts and ratios of formula and liquid upon selection of a beverage by a user.