Beverage Dispensing System With Variable Diluent Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current post-mix beverage dispensing systems face challenges in accommodating various fluid viscosities, flow rates, and mixing ratios, leading to improper mixing and maintenance issues with expensive pumps and flow control devices, which are not suitable for micro-ingredients.
Innovation Solution
A beverage dispensing system with a diluent line and flow meter, variable and fixed flow control modules, and positive displacement pumps that adjust flow rates based on syrup flow rates to ensure accurate mixing, reducing complexity and cost by using open loop and closed loop control mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pumps and flow control devices are used to accurately dispense fluids, then mixing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow control function from complex pumps and dedicated flow control devices, implementing it instead through a simplified valve assembly integrated into the nozzle. This removes unnecessary complexity while maintaining the ability to control fluid flow rates and mixing ratios accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly serves multiple functions: it controls flow rate, adjusts mixing ratios, and accommodates different viscosities, replacing what would traditionally require separate pumps and flow control devices for each function. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If pumps and flow control devices are used to accurately dispense fluids, then mixing precision is improved, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By removing pumps and complex flow control devices from the system, the patent eliminates the maintenance burden associated with these components. The simplified valve assembly requires minimal maintenance compared to traditional pump-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-cleaning through the backflush capability, where reverse flow cleans the valve assembly and nozzle of accumulated residue, reducing the need for manual maintenance and cleaning operations.
3Ease of operation
If conventional flow control devices are used, then syrup dispensing is improved, but adaptability to micro-ingredients deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed with dynamic adjustability to accommodate different fluid characteristics. The valve can be adjusted to control flow rates for fluids with different viscosities, from traditional syrups to micro-ingredients, making the system adaptable to various ingredient types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (flow rate, pressure, valve opening) to accommodate different ingredient types. This allows the same hardware to effectively dispense both traditional syrups and micro-ingredients by adjusting control parameters rather than requiring different hardware.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pumps and flow control devices are used to accommodate variety, then beverage customization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple flow control functions into a single integrated valve assembly at the nozzle. This single component handles flow rate control and mixing ratio adjustment for multiple ingredients, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate pumps and flow control devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments control functions by location, placing the intelligent valve assembly directly at the nozzle where mixing occurs. This distributed control approach allows precise customization of each beverage while keeping the overall system simple, as each nozzle independently controls its own mixing without requiring centralized complex control.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a beverage dispensing system. The beverage dispensing system may include a diluent line in communication with a diluent, a flow meter and a variable flow control module positioned on the diluent line, a number of syrup lines in communication with a number of syrups, and a fixed flow control module positioned on the syrup lines. The variable flow control module controls the flow rate of the diluent through the diluent line based upon the flow rate of one of the syrups through one of the syrup lines.