Automated Beverage Dispenser with Memory Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional product dispensers are limited in offering a wide variety of beverage selections and require manual, time-consuming 'topping off' operations for carbonated beverages, leading to inefficiencies and beverage waste, especially when switching between different drinks.
Innovation Solution
A product dispenser system with multiple beverage ingredient sources, supply lines, pumps, and a controller that stores data on prior poured beverages, allowing for automated dispensing of similar beverages in subsequent pours, reducing the need for manual topping off and minimizing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional product dispensers use limited syrup varieties, then device complexity is reduced, but beverage variety and consumer satisfaction deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beverage formulation into multiple independent syrup components (e.g., base syrup, flavor syrups, sweeteners) that can be individually selected and combined. This allows a single dispenser to create numerous beverage variations by mixing different segments, resolving the contradiction between beverage variety and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is designed with universal capability to dispense multiple syrup types and combinations through a single multi-functional device. The system can adapt to different beverage formulations by selecting from available syrup sources, providing universal beverage preparation without requiring separate dispensers for each beverage type.
2Productivity
If manual topping off operations are used for carbonated beverages, then device complexity is reduced, but time consumption and beverage waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms (sensors, level detection) that monitor the dispensing process and beverage level in real-time. This feedback enables the automated topping off function to detect when additional beverage is needed and automatically dispense the appropriate amount, eliminating manual intervention and reducing both time loss and beverage waste from over-pouring.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own dispensing state and initiating topping off operations without operator intervention. The system manages its own beverage levels and dispensing requirements, freeing the operator from manual topping off tasks and improving overall productivity.
3Reliability
If inexperienced operators manually top off beverages, then device complexity is reduced, but beverage waste and operational errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated topping off system performs the delicate task of accurate beverage dispensing without human intervention. The system monitors its own state and executes precise dispensing operations, ensuring consistent accuracy regardless of operator experience level. This eliminates the reliability issues associated with manual topping off by inexperienced operators.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods of dispensing control for a product dispenser. In one embodiment, a system or product dispenser can be provided. The system or product dispenser can include a plurality of beverage ingredient sources comprising a respective beverage ingredient, a plurality of beverage supply lines in respective communication with the plurality of ingredient sources, at least one pump in communication with the plurality of beverage supply lines, and a controller in communication with the at least one pump and operable to execute a set of instructions. The set of instructions can be operable to store data associated with a prior poured beverage, provide a command for a user to dispense the prior poured beverage in a subsequent pour, and after selection of the command, based at least in part on the data associated with a prior poured beverage, dispense a subsequent beverage similar to the prior poured beverage.