Beverage Dispenser Control Architecture for Cross-Platform Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern beverage dispensers face challenges in customization across disparate platforms due to different hardware and software requirements, hindering unified dispenser customization and operation.
Innovation Solution
A control architecture for beverage product dispensers that includes an interface module for receiving instructions, a dispense module to translate these instructions into predetermined commands, and a human machine interface (HMI) and core dispense module (CDM) to perform operations, facilitating customized user interfaces and equipment behavior across various dispenser types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dispenser family includes small, medium and large dispensers with different hardware and software requirements, then each dispenser can be optimized for its specific size and function, but customization across disparate dispenser platforms is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control architecture where a single interface module and dispense module can operate across multiple dispenser platforms (small, medium, and large dispensers). The interface module receives instructions in a standardized format, and the dispense module translates these into platform-specific commands, allowing one control system to universally manage diverse hardware configurations without requiring separate customization for each platform size.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispense module acts as an intermediary between the standardized interface module and the various dispenser hardware platforms. It translates generic instructions into predetermined commands specific to each dispenser type, mediating between the unified control interface and the disparate hardware requirements of small, medium, and large dispensers, thereby enabling cross-platform compatibility.
2Ease of operation
If instructions are received at an interface module and translated to predetermined commands, then unified control across platforms is achieved, but the system requires multiple modules for translation and command processing
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct functional modules: an interface module for receiving standardized instructions, a dispense module for translation into platform-specific commands, and execution modules for performing operations. This segmentation allows each module to have a specialized function, simplifying the overall control logic while maintaining unified operation across different dispenser platforms through clear separation of concerns.
Data Source
AI summary
A control architecture for use with beverage product dispensers is provided. Instructions may be received at an interface module for performing one or more requested dispenser operations. The interface module may send the instructions to a dispense module. The dispense module may translate the instructions to predetermined commands associated with a dispenser. The one or more requested dispenser operations may then be performed based on the predetermined commands from the translated instructions.