Beverage Dispensing Adaptor for Simultaneous Liquid Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing systems, particularly those using bag-in-box packaging, face challenges in efficiently mixing and dispensing multiple liquids from separate sources, especially when the liquids have different viscosities or require specific ratios, leading to difficulties in maintaining consistency and requiring manual adjustments and cleaning, which are time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a pair of taps with biased valve members and actuators, connected through an adaptor with a dispensing spout, allowing simultaneous dispensing and mixing of liquids from multiple sources, with the taps oriented laterally to facilitate mixing and the use of mechanical levers or other mechanisms to apply counter-biasing forces for fluid flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate taps are used for each liquid source, then each liquid can be dispensed independently, but multiple manual adjustments and readjustments are required for maintaining proper mixing ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tap actuators into a single integrated actuating mechanism that simultaneously controls all liquid sources. This merging allows one operator to control the dispensing of multiple liquids at once, eliminating the need for separate manual adjustments of each tap while maintaining independent control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated actuator serves multiple functions: it can dispense liquids individually or simultaneously, adjust mixing ratios automatically, and adapt to different liquid viscosities. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate control mechanisms for each liquid source, reducing operational time while preserving independent dispensing capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If metering pumps are used to maintain proper mixing ratios, then consistent liquid proportions are achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-regulating tap valves that automatically maintain proper mixing ratios based on the inherent flow characteristics of each liquid source. The valves are designed to compensate for viscosity differences and maintain consistent proportions without requiring external metering pumps or complex electronic control systems, achieving precision through passive mechanical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the tap valve components to account for different liquid viscosities. By adjusting valve orifice sizes, spring pressures, and flow passage geometries, the system achieves consistent mixing ratios across different liquid types without requiring active metering devices, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining precision.
3Use of energy by moving object
If taps are oriented for downward liquid flow, then gravity assists dispensing, but mixing of liquids from multiple sources is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lateral mixing dimension by positioning the tap outlets horizontally adjacent to each other rather than vertically stacked. This lateral arrangement allows liquids to flow downward under gravity while simultaneously mixing in the horizontal plane, combining the benefits of gravity-assisted flow with effective liquid mixing through spatial reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mixing chamber or common dispensing conduit as an intermediary element between the tap outlets and the final dispensing point. This intermediary structure receives liquids from multiple taps oriented for downward flow and facilitates their mixing before combined dispensing, thereby maintaining gravity-assisted flow while enabling effective liquid mixing.
4Reliability
If valve members are biased closed to prevent fluid flow, then liquid containment is improved, but additional actuators are required to open valves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual valve actuators into a single integrated actuating mechanism that simultaneously controls all biased valve members. This consolidation maintains the reliability benefits of biased-closed valves for liquid containment while reducing the number of separate actuators required, as one actuator performs the function of multiple individual actuators through mechanical linkage or unified 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
Enables efficient and cost-effective simultaneous dispensing and mixing of liquids from multiple sources, reducing the need for manual adjustments and minimizing contamination, while allowing for easy cleaning and reuse of components.
Implementation Method 1
a valve member biased closed so as to prevent fluid flow from the liquid source to the spout unless under a counter-biasing force
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a system for simultaneously dispensing liquids from multiple sources, wherein the liquids are released through a single spout and are mixed together during the dispensing process. The disclosure further discloses an adaptor that has a dispensing aperture, a body, and first and second members that actuate the spouts substantially simultaneously to allow fluid flow between the first and second liquid sources and the first and second tap spouts through the adaptor body and out the dispensing aperture, which may have a spout. The invention also relates to a method for simultaneous dispensing and mixing of liquids. The liquids may have substantially the same or substantially different viscosities and may be mixed in equal or different volumes. The invention has particular applicability to bag-in-box systems.