Beverage Dispensing Machine Tilt Control for Foam Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional beverage dispensing machines deliver beverages in a sub-optimal manner for different types of beverages, as they use consistent delivery parameters regardless of the beverage type and do not adjust for specific characteristics like temperature, pour angle, and carbonation levels, leading to inconsistent quality.

Innovation Solution

A beverage dispensing machine that determines specific pour parameters for each type of beverage, including tilt value, flow rate, and carbonation settings, and automatically adjusts the drum and tap to achieve optimal pouring by rotating the drum to achieve and maintain the desired tilt value during dispensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional beverage dispensing machines use consistent delivery parameters for all beverages, then the device complexity is reduced, but the beverage quality and satisfaction deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery parameters consistencyVSAvoidbeverage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts delivery parameters including vessel tilt angle, pour rate, and dispensing duration based on the specific beverage type being dispensed. The controller modifies these parameters in real-time to optimize beverage quality for different beverage categories while maintaining automated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements beverage-specific parameter sets that are automatically selected and applied based on the beverage type. Different parameters are used for different beverage categories (e.g., beer, wine, soft drinks) to achieve optimal dispensing results for each type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If automated dispensing with fixed parameters is used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different beverage types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated dispensingVSAvoidbeverage type adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides fully automated operation where the controller automatically selects and adjusts delivery parameters based on the beverage type without requiring user intervention. This maintains ease of operation while achieving high adaptability through dynamic parameter modification for different beverage categories.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The dispensing system is designed to handle multiple beverage types using a single automated mechanism. The universal controller and adjustable parameter set enable the same device to optimally dispense various beverage types (beer, wine, soft drinks) without requiring separate manual adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If vessel tilt angle is adjusted for different beverages, then beverage quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeverage qualityVSAvoidtilt adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vessel holder incorporates a tilt adjustment mechanism that dynamically changes the vessel angle during dispensing based on the selected beverage type. This dynamic tilt adjustment optimizes beverage quality by controlling foam formation and pour characteristics while being integrated into the automated control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures optimal tilt angles for different beverage types in the controller. When a beverage is selected, the corresponding tilt angle is automatically applied without requiring real-time calculation or complex adjustments during dispensing, simplifying the control mechanism while maintaining beverage quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3757059B1Computerised foam controlling method and device by tilting a glass based on the beverage to be poured therein
Publication Date: 2023.05.31 ACCENTURE GLOBAL SOLUTIONS LTD
  • EP3757059B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3757059B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP3757059B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Beverage dispensing machine 100 and method which include determining, from computer-readable media, beverage-specific pour parameters, at least pours parameters including a tilt value for a vessel 118 into which beverage is dispensed and automatically, by the beverage dispensing machine 100: rotating a drum 230 that holds the vessel 118 to achieve the tilt value, initiating dispensing of the beverage into the vessel 118 from a tap 232, automatically rotating the drum 230 to reduce the tilt value of the vessel 118 during dispensing of the beverage, and ceasing dispensing of the beverage into the vessel 118 from the tap 232, the tilt value being substantially zero upon ceasing the dispensing.