System for automated detection in beverage dispensing machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing machines require costly and complex sensors for automated detection of supply packs and product availability, which are cumbersome to assemble and operate, and not cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A system using light detection with transparent and opaque elements on the doser, where a transmitter emits radiation, and detectors measure the presence and availability of the supply pack and product, allowing for reliable and failsafe pack-in-place and product availability detection without physical contact, and offering a cost-effective alternative with interchangeable doser types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex sensors and electronic systems are used for automated detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into two independent detection channels: one for pack presence detection and one for product availability detection. Each channel uses simple optical components (transmitter and detector) rather than complex integrated sensors, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The doser acts as an intermediary element with specific optical properties (transparent to opaque regions) that mediates between the transmitter and detectors. This allows the simple optical system to distinguish between pack presence and product availability without requiring complex sensor electronics
2Reliability
If sensitive and accurate sensors are used, then detection reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses inexpensive optical components (transmitters and detectors) instead of costly sensitive sensors. The doser with its transparent and opaque regions serves as a disposable or replaceable element that enables reliable detection at low cost
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes optical property changes (transparent to opaque) of the doser elements to encode detection information. This optical contrast method provides reliable detection without requiring expensive sensors, as it relies on simple light transmission principles
3Extent of automation
If multiple detection functions are integrated, then automation capability is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system performs multiple functions (pack presence detection and product availability detection) using the same basic components (transmitter and detectors). This universal approach automates supply detection while maintaining operational simplicity through a unified detection mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The doser itself provides the detection signal through its optical properties (transparent and opaque regions). The system automatically detects supply status without requiring manual intervention or complex operation, as the doser's physical characteristics inherently encode the necessary information
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 simple, reliable, and cost-effective means for automated detection of supply packs and product availability, reducing human interference and operational complexity while maintaining high accuracy, and allows for the reuse of doser components, enhancing environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
a first substantially transparent element which in use is positioned between the transmitter and the first detector
Implementation Method 2
a second substantially opaque element which in use is positioned between the transmitter and the second detector
Data Source
AI summary
A system for automated detection in beverage dispensing machines suitable for receiving at least a first and second type of exchangeable supply pack adapted to contain a product to be supplied in the operation of the system equipped with means for automatically performing presence of supply detection. 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 first type of supply pack by another light detector, the system identifies the degree of product presence in the first type of supply pack, while with the second type of supply pack the product availability is not detected and assumed to be available.