Beverage Dispenser Light Detection for Pack Presence and Product Level
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing machines require costly and complex sensor systems for automated detection of supply pack presence and product availability, which are cumbersome to assemble and operate, and lack cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing light detection with multiple light sources and detectors, including transparent and opaque elements in the doser, to automate pack positioning and product availability detection without physical contact, using infrared light and optical elements to differentiate signals and detect product levels, thereby reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex sensor systems are used for automated detection of supply pack presence and product availability, then detection reliability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into two independent detection channels: a first detector for pack presence detection and a second detector for product availability detection. Each detector has its own light source and optical path, allowing independent optimization and simplification of each subsystem while maintaining overall system reliability through redundant detection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
A light guide is introduced as an intermediary optical element to transmit light from the light source to the detectors. This light guide simplifies the optical coupling, enables flexible positioning of components, and reduces the complexity of direct optical alignment between light sources and detectors while maintaining detection reliability.
2Measurement precision
If sensitive and accurate sensors are used for supply detection, then detection precision is improved, but manufacturing and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses standard, off-the-shelf light sources and detectors rather than custom-sensitive sensors. By segmenting the detection into two independent channels with commercial components, the patent achieves sufficient detection precision while dramatically simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, commercially available light sources and detectors that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than investing in expensive, highly sensitive sensors that require careful handling and calibration. This approach maintains adequate detection precision while improving ease of manufacture and assembly.
3Measurement precision
If expensive sensors are used for automated detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but cost-effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the detection function into two separate, simple detection channels using standard components, the system achieves the required detection accuracy for both pack presence and product availability without the need for expensive sensors. The segmented architecture allows each detector to use simple, cost-effective components optimized for its specific detection task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensing systems with a simple optical detection mechanism using light sources and photodetectors. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive sensors while maintaining detection accuracy through the use of standard optical components and straightforward optical paths.
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 provides a reliable, cost-effective, and failsafe method for detecting supply pack presence and product levels, minimizing human interference and enhancing automation in beverage dispensing machines, while reducing the need for expensive and sensitive sensors.
Implementation Method 1
A transparent element of the doser is positioned between a transmitter and the first detector. An opaque element of the doser is positioned between a transmitter and the second detector.
Implementation Method 2
The invention uses light detection for the automated detection of pack positioning and product availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Means are provided for the support of the automated process of supplying beverages. More particularly, the detection of the presence and the contents of exchangeable supply packs in beverage dispensing machines is automated. A pack-in-place detection is provided by emitting light and measuring the presence of the emitted light on one light detector, the system determines the absence or the correct/incorrect placement of the supply pack. A product availability detection is provided by detecting the intensity of light coming through a transparent element in the supply pack by another light detector, the system identifies the degree of product presence in the supply pack.