Beverage Dispenser Optical Cup Detection for Precise Fill Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food product dispensing machines lack efficient mechanisms for determining cup sizes, leading to inconsistent and potentially overfilled beverage dispensing, especially in high-quantity vending applications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a cup holder system with a target element and sensors that determine cup size by sensing the remaining portion of the target element not obstructed by the cup, coupled with a controller that activates the dispensing mechanism to fill the cup accurately based on its size, and an indicator to display the remaining number of cup dispenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional dispensing machines use fixed dispensing mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of cup filling is poor leading to overfilling and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of cup size using optical sensors and target elements before the dispensing action occurs. The controller determines the appropriate fill amount based on detected cup characteristics, ensuring precise filling without overfilling. This preliminary measurement step enables accurate dispensing while maintaining manageable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through optical sensors that detect the cup and target element position, providing information to the controller about cup size and type. The controller adjusts dispensing parameters based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that achieves precise filling. The feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to different cup sizes without requiring complex mechanical adjustments.
2Loss of substance
If the dispensing machine lacks cup size detection, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of substance occurs due to overfilling and inconsistent dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical measurement devices with optical sensing technology. Optical sensors detect the cup and target element through non-contact means, eliminating the need for mechanical probes or complex measurement mechanisms. This substitution reduces device complexity while effectively preventing beverage waste through accurate cup size determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical copying/imaging to create a digital representation of the cup and target element configuration. The sensor captures visual information about cup size and position, which the controller processes to determine dispensing parameters. This copying approach allows precise measurement without physical contact or complex mechanical intervention.
3Productivity
If the machine uses manual cup size determination, then the device complexity is minimized, but the productivity decreases in high-quantity vending applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the machine automatically detects cup size, determines fill amount, and executes dispensing without manual intervention. The optical sensors and controller work together to autonomously manage the dispensing process, significantly increasing productivity in high-quantity applications while keeping the automation system relatively simple through the use of straightforward detection principles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and determination of dispensing parameters before the actual dispensing action. By quickly identifying cup size and setting appropriate fill amounts in advance, the system streamlines the dispensing process and increases throughput. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual assessment during high-volume operations.
4Measurement precision
If the dispensing system lacks real-time cup detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of cup size is poor leading to inconsistent dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical measurement instruments with optical sensors that detect cup size and target element position through light interaction. This substitution achieves high measurement precision without requiring complex mechanical measurement devices, maintaining simplicity in the overall system architecture while improving detection accuracy.
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
This solution enables precise filling of cups of varying sizes, reducing waste and improving operational efficiency in high-quantity dispensing scenarios by ensuring the correct amount of food product is dispensed based on the detected cup size, while also informing users of the remaining number of cup dispenses.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor that is configured to sense the target element
Data Source
AI summary
Food product dispensing machines and methods for dispensing food product into a cup. The food product dispensing machine includes a cup holder having a target element, a sensor that senses the target element, and a controller. The cup holder is configured to hold a cup such that the cup prevents the sensor from sensing at least a portion of the target element. The controller determines whether a cup is present in the cup holder and/or a size of the cup based on a remaining portion of the target element that is sensed by the sensor when the cup is held by the cup holder. Drive mechanisms are configured to move the first and second cup holders along first and second radial paths, respectively, with respect to the common dispensing position. An indicator is configured to indicate a remaining number of cup dispenses to the user.