Beverage Dispenser Control System with Motion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage dispensers lack adaptability, making it difficult to change the number of keys on the interface device and reprogram beverages without manually altering the device or switching syrup inputs, leading to inefficiencies in managing beverage options and inventory.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable control system for beverage dispensers that allows for easy modification of the control panel buttons and sequencing of beverage fluids, enabling the dispensing of customized beverages and accommodating changes in available beverages without requiring new hardware, incorporating motion and light detectors for energy management and security features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed interface device with set number of buttons is used, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to change beverage options is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface device transitions from a static fixed button configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable system where buttons can be added, removed, or reassigned through software control, allowing the physical interface to adapt to changing beverage offerings without hardware replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the functional parameters of the interface device by reassigning button functions through software, allowing the same physical buttons to represent different beverages or options based on configurable parameters rather than fixed manufacturing assignments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If manual reconfiguration of interface device is required to change beverages, then the device structure remains simple, but the time consumption and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service reconfiguration where users can programmatically add, remove, or modify beverage options through software interfaces without requiring manual physical reconfiguration of the device hardware, allowing rapid adaptation to changing beverage inventories

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows pre-programming of beverage configurations and options in advance, enabling rapid deployment of new beverage options without requiring real-time manual reconfiguration during operation, thus reducing operational time consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate physical buttons are added for new beverages, then the interface functionality increases, but the device complexity and hardware requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveversatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing button infrastructure is designed to serve multiple functions dynamically, where the same physical buttons can be assigned to different beverages or options through software configuration, eliminating the need for dedicated physical buttons for each beverage type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates virtual representations of beverage options through software rather than requiring physical duplicates for each beverage, allowing multiple beverage options to be represented through configurable software parameters on existing hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

Enhances flexibility for vendors and customers by allowing dynamic changes in beverage offerings, reduces inventory needs, and improves marketing capabilities through adaptable product configurations, while also enhancing security and energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

one or more detectors for motion sensing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotion detection:

Implementation Method 2

one or more detectors ambient light detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection:

Data Source

PatentUS9908767B2Beverage dispensing apparatus with presence sensing

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 AUTOMATIC BAR CONTROLS INC

AI summary

In many aspects, a system for a beverage dispenser can include a detector, a touch screen, and a control unit electrically coupled to the touch screen and detector. The control unit is configured to implement a method. In the method, a first graphical configuration is sent to the touch screen for display during an operational mode. A sleep mode is entered after detecting no motion events from the detector after a predetermined amount of time. A second graphical configuration is sent to the touch screen for display or the touch screen is turned off as a result of entering the sleep mode. A motion event is then detected in proximity to the detector, and as a result, the sleep mode is discontinued, and the operational mode is activated, and the first graphical configuration is sent to the touch screen for redisplay.