Beverage dispenser system with controlled pump system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diaphragm-type pumps used in post-mix beverage dispensers suffer from flavor cross-contamination and asphyxiation hazards due to carbon dioxide leakage, requiring significant downtime for maintenance and specialized technicians.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-pump removable system with electric motor-driven gear pumps, featuring a pump enclosure and control system that allows for easy installation and removal of pumps without tools, eliminating flavor cross-contamination and gas leakage risks, and enabling monitoring and control of pump operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a diaphragm-type pump driven by compressed carbon dioxide is used to pump syrup, then the pump can effectively move the dense and viscous syrup fluid, but the rubber diaphragms absorb flavors from the syrup causing flavor cross-contamination when the pump is repurposed for different flavored beverages
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the problematic rubber diaphragm component from the pump system. By eliminating the diaphragm that absorbs flavors, the pump can be repurposed for different flavored beverages without flavor cross-contamination, while maintaining pumping effectiveness through the alternative pump chamber design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a disposable or easily replaceable pump chamber design that can be quickly swapped between different flavor configurations. This allows the system to abandon flavor-contaminated components and install fresh chambers for new flavors, maintaining versatility without complex cleaning or decontamination procedures
2Productivity
If a diaphragm-type pump driven by compressed carbon dioxide is used to pump syrup, then the pump can effectively move the dense and viscous syrup fluid, but the compressed carbon dioxide leaks presenting an asphyxiation hazard in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the compressed gas-driven mechanical diaphragm pump system with an electric motor-driven pump system. This substitution eliminates the need for compressed carbon dioxide storage and handling, removing the asphyxiation hazard while maintaining the ability to pump dense and viscous syrup effectively through electrically actuated pump mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a pneumatic system (compressed gas driving the diaphragm) to an electrical system (motor driving the pump mechanism). This replacement eliminates the harmful pneumatic element (compressed CO2) while achieving the same pumping function through electrical actuation, thereby removing the asphyxiation risk
3Productivity
If a diaphragm-type pump is used to pump syrup, then the pump can effectively move the syrup, but the pump eventually requires service and replacement requiring significant downtime while trained technicians service the pump system
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the pump system into modular components, particularly making the pump chamber a separate, easily removable module. This segmentation allows the pump chamber to be quickly swapped without requiring technical expertise for complex repairs, dramatically reducing maintenance downtime while maintaining pumping effectiveness through the modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables self-service maintenance by designing the pump system with user-friendly, tool-free or minimal-tool replacement capabilities. Operators can perform maintenance and component replacement themselves without requiring trained technicians, eliminating significant downtime and empowering users to maintain pumping effectiveness through simple self-service actions
4Productivity
If a diaphragm-type pump is used to pump syrup, then the pump can effectively move the syrup, but the pump requires trained technicians and special tools for service
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables self-service maintenance by designing the pump system with user-friendly, tool-free or minimal-tool replacement capabilities. Operators can perform maintenance and component replacement themselves without requiring trained technicians, eliminating significant downtime and empowering users to maintain pumping effectiveness through simple self-service actions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the complex service requirements from the pump system by designing for easy, tool-free access to all maintenance points. The pump chamber and other components are designed to be removed and replaced without special tools or technical expertise, making the system as easy to maintain as replacing a light bulb
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 allows for quick and tool-less pump replacement, prevents flavor cross-contamination, eliminates carbon dioxide leakage hazards, and facilitates easy maintenance, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biased retainer pin received within a retainer pin hole formed on an outer surface of the pump housing
Implementation Method 2
Each removable pump also includes a pump motor and a pumping mechanism driven by the pump motor
Implementation Method 3
capable of receiving a fluid through the inlet port into the pumping chamber at a first pressure and discharging the fluid from the pumping chamber through the outlet port at a second pressure which is greater than the first pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A post-mix beverage dispenser system with removable pumps is disclosed. The system includes a pump enclosure for receiving a plurality of beverage syrup pumps. Each beverage syrup pump may be easily removed from the enclosure and replaced in a tool-less manner. A sensor and control system for the plurality or removable pumps is also disclosed.