Machine for dispensing a beverage provided with a system for measuring the amount of beverage remaining in a container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous drink distribution machines struggle to accurately measure the remaining quantity of drink in a container, especially when the container is positioned at varying angles, and are prone to measurement disruptions during use.
Innovation Solution
The machine incorporates a weight sensor arranged in a single foot opposite the racking device, allowing for accurate measurement of the drink remaining in the container regardless of its position, and minimizing disruptions from the racking device's activation and deactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple weight sensors are distributed across all feet to ensure accurate measurement, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is divided into multiple feet (first foot, second foot, third foot, fourth foot), with the weight sensor specifically placed in one foot opposite the racking device. This segmentation allows the measurement function to be localized rather than requiring sensors in all feet, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight sensor is strategically positioned in a specific location (one foot opposite the racking device) rather than uniformly distributed. This local quality approach places the measurement function exactly where it is most needed to minimize disruption from racking device operations, optimizing measurement precision without requiring sensors throughout the entire structure.
2Ease of operation
If the racking device is positioned close to the weight sensor for operational efficiency, then ease of operation improves, but measurement stability deteriorates due to activation disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The weight sensor is positioned in an asymmetric location - specifically in one foot opposite the racking device, not in a symmetric or centralized position. This asymmetric placement creates optimal separation between the measurement point and the racking device operations, minimizing measurement disruption while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot structure acts as an intermediary element between the racking device and the weight sensor. By placing the sensor in the foot opposite the racking device, the foot serves as a structural mediator that transmits weight information while isolating the sensor from direct operational disruptions caused by racking device activation and deactivation.
3Reliability
If weight sensors are placed in all feet for redundancy and stability, then reliability improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weight measurement function is extracted from a distributed configuration (sensors in all feet) and concentrated in a single strategic location (one foot opposite the racking device). This extraction eliminates the need for multiple sensors while maintaining measurement reliability, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and simplifying the system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of investing in multiple expensive weight sensors distributed throughout the machine, the invention uses a single, simpler weight sensor positioned optimally. This approach trades the redundancy of multiple components for the strategic effectiveness of one well-placed component, reducing overall system cost while maintaining functional reliability.
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 measurement of the remaining drink quantity, reduces design costs, and ensures stable and accurate weight readings even during use, allowing for efficient operation and maintenance of the machine.
Implementation Method 1
a weight sensor arranged in only one foot arranged opposite the drawing off device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a beverage dispensing machine (1) comprising a receiving chamber for a keg containing a beverage refill and a dispensing device (14) for the beverage contained in the keg, said beverage dispensing machine (1) resting on feet (4, 6) and comprising a control circuit including a system for measuring the remaining quantity of beverage in the keg. The system for measuring the remaining quantity of beverage includes at least one weight sensor arranged in at least one of the feet (6) located opposite the dispensing device (14).