Networked Beverage Dispenser Control for Filter Usage Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Public consumable liquid dispensers face challenges in efficient management, maintenance, and energy consumption due to variable usage patterns and lack of advanced control systems, leading to inefficiencies and potential system malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A networked system of liquid dispenser stations equipped with sensors, controllers, and wireless communication capabilities, utilizing predictive algorithms and closed-loop controls to optimize operation, monitor system performance, and facilitate proactive maintenance, while supporting remote management and notification of operational events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If public water dispensers are equipped with enhanced bottle filling functionality and filtered/cooled water capabilities, then service quality and water volume delivered are improved, but control, maintenance and repair issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a networked system where dispenser stations communicate with a central server, enabling real-time monitoring of operational data, usage patterns, and system performance. This feedback mechanism allows remote tracking of water volume delivered, energy consumption, and maintenance needs, resolving the complexity issue by providing centralized oversight without adding local control burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated monitoring and diagnostic capabilities that allow the dispenser to self-report status, usage, and maintenance requirements. The sensor assemblies and controllers automatically detect and communicate system states, reducing the need for manual inspection and simplifying maintenance scheduling.
2Productivity
If dispenser stations operate without real-time data and remote control capabilities, then device simplicity is maintained, but operational efficiency and maintenance scheduling deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central server as an intermediary that collects, processes, and analyzes data from multiple dispenser stations. This intermediary handles the complexity of data management, operational optimization, and maintenance scheduling remotely, allowing individual dispensers to remain relatively simple while achieving system-wide efficiency improvements.
3Ease of operation
If traditional bubbler systems are used with variable temperature delivery, then system simplicity is maintained, but service quality and user satisfaction decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic temperature control capabilities where the dispenser can adjust water temperature based on usage patterns, time of day, and user preferences. The networked architecture allows remote configuration and adaptation of temperature settings, providing high service quality while managing complexity through centralized control.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for dispensing consumable liquids are disclosed. An example networked system includes a server and a plurality of beverage dispenser stations. Each of the beverage dispenser stations includes a filler including a filler outlet configured to deliver a beverage into a container, an RFID reader configured to read an RFID tag fixed to a water filter through which water for the beverage is to flow, and a controller. The controller is configured determine a duration-of-use of the water filter and a volume of water that has passed through the water filter. Each of the beverage dispenser stations also includes a network communications interface configured to communicate the duration-of-use and the volume of water to the networked administrative server to track use of the water filter among the plurality of beverage dispenser stations.