Beverage Dispenser Pressure Switching for Carbonated-to-Still Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensers have limited flexibility in adapting from dispensing carbonated beverages to non-carbonated beverages, requiring specific components for each type and lacking efficient conversion methods.
Innovation Solution
A carbonated beverage dispenser is converted to a non-carbonated dispenser by removing the carbonation tank and installing a pressure tank, which is monitored by a pressure switch and regulated by a pressure regulator, using a carbonation pump to maintain optimal pressure for non-carbonated beverage dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a carbonated beverage dispenser is converted to a non-carbonated dispenser by removing the carbonation tank, then adaptability is improved, but pressure control reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carbonation pump is repurposed to serve dual functions: originally it pressurized the carbonation tank, now it pressurizes the pressure tank for non-carbonated beverage dispensing. This allows the same component to perform different functions in different operational modes, enabling the dispenser to handle both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages without requiring separate pumping systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure control parameters by replacing the carbonation tank with a pressure tank and introducing a pressure switch with adjustable threshold pressures. The pressure regulator also allows dynamic adjustment of pressure parameters to optimize performance for non-carbonated beverages, transforming the pressure control system from carbonation-focused to versatile pressure management.
2Measurement precision
If a pressure tank and pressure switch are installed in the beverage supply line, then pressure control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure switch automatically monitors pressure and controls the carbonation pump operation without manual intervention. When pressure drops below the lower threshold, the switch automatically activates the pump; when pressure exceeds the upper threshold, it automatically shuts off the pump. This self-regulating mechanism provides precise pressure control while minimizing the need for additional complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure switch creates a feedback loop by continuously monitoring pressure in the pressure tank and adjusting pump operation accordingly. The system uses threshold-based feedback (lower and upper pressure thresholds) to maintain pressure within optimal ranges, enabling automatic pressure regulation that compensates for the added complexity through intelligent control logic.
3Device complexity
If the carbonation pump is used to pressurize the pressure tank instead of a dedicated pump, then device complexity is reduced, but pressure regulation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator acts as an intermediary component between the carbonation pump and the pressure tank. It receives high-pressure output from the pump and precisely regulates it to the required pressure level for non-carbonated beverage dispensing. This intermediary device compensates for the lack of precision in the repurposed carbonation pump, maintaining pressure regulation accuracy while avoiding the need for a dedicated precision pump.
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 efficient conversion of a carbonated dispenser to a non-carbonated dispenser, optimizing pressure control and energy usage, while allowing customizable beverage dispensing with temperature control and multiple syrup options.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure switch may also be installed to monitor a pressure in the pressure tank. The pressure switch may actuate the carbonation pump when the pressure in the pressure tank falls below a lower threshold pressure. The pressure switch may also shut off the carbonation pump once the pressure increases above an upper threshold pressure.
Implementation Method 2
A pressure regulator may also be installed to regulate the pressure in the beverage supply line.
Implementation Method 3
A pre-chilling coil and a post-chilling coil may be in line with the beverage supply line to cool a temperature of the beverage before it is dispensed.
Implementation Method 4
The syrup may also travel through a syrup chilling coil prior to being released into the mixing nozzle. The syrup chilling coil may lower the temperature of the syrup before it is added to the mixing nozzle so a cooler beverage can be dispensed to the user.
Data Source
AI summary
Beverage dispensers are disclosed. A beverage dispenser may include a carbonation pump, pressure tank, and a pressure switch configured to active the pressure pump when a pressure in the pressure tank falls below a threshold pressure. The pressure switch may cause the carbonation pump to shut off when the pressure in the pressure tank exceeds an upper threshold pressure. The beverage dispenser may be convertible from a carbonated beverage dispenser to a non-carbonated beverage dispenser.