Beverage dispensing valve
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tea dispensers either provide tea made from a concentrate and diluent or fresh brewed tea, but they lack the ability to efficiently control the flow of hot water and concentrate for optimal flavor and strength, and they do not allow for the simultaneous use of multiple beverage options like fresh brewed and concentrate tea in a single device.
Innovation Solution
A hot tea dispensing machine with a tea brew basket and urn system that uses flow control circuits to direct pressurized hot water and concentrate streams into the urn, allowing for precise mixing and the option to add sweeteners or flavors, along with a multi-station dispensing unit that can switch between fresh brewed and concentrate tea, and a beverage dispensing valve with a downspout assembly that controls fluid flow using a pinch member and flexible sleeve for precise dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single dispenser is used for either concentrate tea or fresh brewed tea, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is designed with separate but compatible concentrate dispensing and fresh brewed tea dispensing mechanisms that can operate independently or in combination, allowing a single device to provide multiple beverage types without requiring complete system redesign for each function
2Manufacturing precision
If simple flow control is used in existing tea dispensers, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision of fluid flow control is insufficient for optimal flavor and strength
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control system is divided into separate control circuits for concentrate and fresh brewed tea, each with its own flow control valve and metering mechanism. This segmentation allows precise control of each fluid stream independently, enabling optimal mixing ratios and beverage consistency without requiring an overly complex integrated control system
3Stability of the object's composition
If concentrate and water are mixed in a single chamber, then the device complexity is low, but the homogeneity of mixing is insufficient for consistent beverage quality
Solution Approach 1:
The concentrate and fresh brewed tea are dispensed from separate nozzles positioned at different spatial locations and angles, allowing the two fluid streams to converge and mix in three-dimensional space within the receiving container. This spatial arrangement promotes thorough mixing and homogeneous beverage composition without requiring complex mechanical mixing mechanisms
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 precise control over the brewing process for optimal tea strength and flavor, allowing users to choose between fresh brewed and concentrate tea, and provides a versatile system for dispensing various beverages with precise fluid management.
Implementation Method 1
A pliable, flexible silicon-based, elastomer sleeve or insert or other suitable member may be dimensioned to tightly fit against the walls of the channel of the body
Implementation Method 2
A coil spring may be provided for engaging the lateral member and the pinch arm urging the pinch arm at least partially through the slot of the body
Implementation Method 3
fluid may be allowed to flow under the impetus of gravity between the upper opening of the insert and the lower opening of the insert
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage dispensing valve may include a downspout assembly having a body having walls with a slot therein, a channel, an upper and a lower opening, with the slot in the channel between the upper and lower openings. The downspout assembly may include a lateral member extending laterally from the downspout assembly and engaging the wall adjacent the slot. A pinch member may be partly enclosed within the lateral member and dimensioned to move partially through the slot. A handle and the pinch member may move the pinch member in and out of the slot. A coil spring may engage the lateral member and the pinch arm urging the pinch arm at least partially through the slot of the body. A flexible insert may be dimensioned to tightly fit against the walls of the channel of the body, the insert having an open top and an open bottom.