Beverage Dispensing Plant Auto-Calibration via Sensor Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current beverage dispensing systems require time-consuming and costly periodic calibrations, necessitating specialized operators to adjust flow rates due to factors like temperature and pressure, which affects the accuracy of ingredient dispensing.
Innovation Solution
An automated dispensing system with a control unit, flow rate sensors, adjusting valves, optical and weight sensors, and a cloud-connected gateway that performs self-calibration by measuring and adjusting fluid quantities to maintain predefined calibration thresholds, reducing the need for manual intervention and speeding up the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If periodic calibrations are performed by specialized operators to maintain dispensing accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration automatically without requiring specialized operators. The control unit executes calibration routines that measure actual flow rates and adjust parameters autonomously, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining dispensing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual flow rates using flow sensors and compares them against target values. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts flow parameters to maintain accuracy, enabling continuous self-correction without time-consuming manual calibrations.
2Measurement precision
If manual calibration adjustments are performed by specialized operators, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process is automated within the control unit, eliminating the need for specialized operators. The system automatically executes calibration routines, interprets sensor data, and adjusts parameters without human intervention, simplifying operations while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical adjustment operations are replaced with automated electronic control. The control unit uses software algorithms to process sensor data and automatically adjust flow parameters, substituting manual mechanical calibration with automated electronic control systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If flow rate sensors are calibrated manually to account for temperature and pressure variations, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs continuous monitoring and automatic calibration adjustments during normal operation rather than requiring separate calibration periods. This continuous action eliminates downtime associated with manual calibration while maintaining precise fluid dispensing throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects and compensates for temperature and pressure variations through integrated sensors and control algorithms, performing self-adjustment without requiring manual intervention or dedicated calibration time, thus maintaining precision without the time loss of manual processes.
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 ensures rapid and accurate calibration of fluid dispensing, minimizing human error and operational costs by automating the calibration process, maintaining precise flow rates within defined thresholds, and allowing remote monitoring and data collection.
Implementation Method 1
said calibration unit comprises an optical sensor, arranged in proximity to said nozzle and operatively connected to said control unit, capable of detecting the filling level of said container
Implementation Method 2
said calibration unit comprises a weight sensor, arranged below said nozzle and operatively connected to said control unit, capable of detecting the mass of said container
Implementation Method 3
one or more flow rate sensors, wherein each flow rate sensor is arranged on a respective dispensing line, to measure the flow rate of delivered fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A plant for dispensing a beverage of one or more fluids ingredients into a container, including one or more dispensing lines to dispense the fluid ingredients, a nozzle, fluid-dynamically connected to the dispensing lines for dispensing the beverage into the container, a control unit to associate values with the flow rate of fluid in the dispensing lines, the plant further including at least one calibration unit connected to the control unit for measuring a value associated with the quantity of fluids dispensed into the container and adjust the values associated with the flow rate of the fluid in each of the dispensing lines, so the difference between the measurement of the values associated with the quantity of fluids delivered in the container and the quantity of fluid associated with the flow rate of fluid in the dispensing lines is less than a threshold or in a confidence interval.