Automated Beverage Dispenser Priming via Parallel Pump Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional product dispensers are limited in offering a wide variety of beverage selections and require time-consuming manual priming operations when switching between beverage containers, leading to inefficiencies in dispensing different types of beverages.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for priming or purging a product dispenser that includes multiple beverage ingredient sources, supply lines, and a controller to simultaneously introduce a predefined amount of ingredients into each supply line, allowing for rapid priming or purging of all lines with a single command, reducing the need for successive manual operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple beverage containers are installed in conventional product dispensers, then the variety of beverage selections is improved, but the time required for manual priming operations increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual priming operations into a single automated priming cycle. The controller simultaneously activates all pumps to prime all beverage supply lines in parallel, merging what would otherwise be sequential manual operations into one unified automated process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service priming through automated detection and execution. When beverage containers are installed, the controller automatically detects the new containers and initiates the priming sequence without requiring manual intervention, allowing the dispenser to prime itself.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional product dispensers use large beverage base containers, then the reconstitution ratio is improved (3:1 to 6:1), but the storage space requirement and distance from dispenser increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beverage base into multiple smaller ingredient containers that can be stored in compact arrays near the dispenser. Instead of using one large container, the system divides the beverage base into multiple smaller units, each stored in proximity to the dispensing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from horizontal storage (large containers far from dispenser) to vertical stacking (multiple small containers arranged in compact arrays near the dispenser). The ingredient containers are stacked vertically in storage arrays adjacent to the dispenser, utilizing vertical space rather than horizontal distance.
3Reliability
If manual priming operations are performed successively for each container, then complete priming is achieved, but the operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous parallel priming action by simultaneously activating all pumps to prime all supply lines at the same time. Rather than stopping to prime one line at a time, the system maintains continuous operation across all beverage lines in parallel, eliminating idle time between priming operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical priming operations with an automated electronic control system. The controller automatically manages the priming sequence, activates pumps electronically, and monitors completion, substituting human-operated mechanical processes with automated electromechanical control.
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 the product dispenser to efficiently handle multiple beverage options and streamline the priming process, reducing operational time and enhancing the ability to offer a broader range of beverages while maintaining product quality.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pump in communication with the plurality of beverage supply lines
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for priming or purging a product dispenser. In one embodiment, a product dispenser can include a plurality of beverage ingredient sources comprising a respective beverage ingredient; a plurality of beverage supply lines in respective communication with the plurality of ingredient sources; at least one pump in communication with the plurality of beverage supply lines; and a controller in communication with the at least one pump and operable to execute a set of instructions operable to: receive a command to prime or purge the product dispenser; and activate the at least one pump, wherein a predefined amount of the respective beverage ingredients is simultaneously introduced into each of the plurality of beverage supply lines.