Frozen Beverage Dispenser Mixing Chamber and Flushing Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional frozen beverage dispensers are limited to dispensing one or two flavors, and there is a need for a system that can handle multiple flavors while adhering to spatial constraints.

Innovation Solution

A frozen beverage dispenser with a mixing chamber that combines macro- and micro-ingredients with a flavored or unflavored slush base, using a touch screen interface to select and produce multiple flavors, and a flushing mechanism to prevent flavor carryover, incorporating a brushless mixer and a gateway compartment for ingredient feeding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional frozen beverage dispensers are used, then the device structure is simple, but the number of beverage flavors that can be dispensed is limited to one or two

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of beverage flavorsVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser is divided into separate functional modules: a storage module for frozen beverage containers, a mixing chamber for combining ingredients, a flushing mechanism for cleaning, and a control system. This segmentation allows multiple flavors to be handled through modular components rather than a single complex unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mixing chamber serves multiple functions: it combines macro-ingredients and micro-ingredients with slush base, acts as a flushing chamber for cleaning, and facilitates flavor transitions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each flavor dispensing task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple flavor storage containers are added to increase beverage variety, then the flavor selection capability is improved, but the spatial footprint of the dispenser increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflavor selection capabilityVSAvoidspatial footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple flavor containers are arranged in a nested or stacked configuration within the storage module, allowing multiple beverage storage units to occupy reduced spatial volume while remaining accessible for dispensing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage containers are positioned in a vertical arrangement rather than horizontal placement, utilizing the vertical dimension to accommodate multiple flavors without expanding the horizontal footprint of the dispenser.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If a mixing chamber combining multiple ingredients is used, then the flavor variety and consistency are improved, but the risk of flavor carryover between dispenses increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflavor consistencyVSAvoidflavor carryover

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A flushing mechanism is implemented that automatically cleans the mixing chamber between dispensing operations by introducing a flushing fluid to remove residual ingredients. This preliminary cleaning action prevents flavor carryover before the next flavor is prepared.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The flushing mechanism extracts and removes residual flavor components from the mixing chamber through the introduction of a flushing fluid, separating the cleaning function from the mixing function to eliminate cross-contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Productivity

If manual cleaning between flavor changes is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the time required for flavor transitions and operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflavor transition speedVSAvoidcleaning mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flushing mechanism performs automatic self-cleaning of the mixing chamber by introducing a flushing fluid that removes residues without requiring manual intervention. This self-service cleaning capability maintains high flavor transition speed while keeping the added complexity minimal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 the dispensing of multiple frozen beverage flavors efficiently, ensuring flavor consistency and cleanliness by effectively mixing and flushing ingredients, while allowing for remote ingredient feeding and user-friendly flavor selection.

Implementation Method 1

a brushless mixer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical mixing: Stirring

Implementation Method 2

a flushing mechanism to prevent flavor carryover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flushing: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS11147289B2Flavored frozen beverage dispenser

Publication Date: 2021.10.19 THE COCA COLA CO

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention may provide a frozen beverage dispenser capable of dispensing multiple frozen beverage flavors.