Beverage Dispenser Docking Station With Pressurized Water Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single serve beverage dispensers face challenges in reducing chlorine and chloramine levels in their water reservoirs, as existing filtration methods require pressurization, which is not feasible with unpressurized water storage.
Innovation Solution
A docking station with a pressurized water inlet conduit, a valve for regulating water flow, and a removable water filter cartridge, which can filter water from a pressurized source before it enters the beverage dispenser's reservoir, effectively reducing chlorine and chloramine levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If activated carbon filter is used to reduce chlorine and chloramine levels, then water quality is improved, but pressurization is required which is not feasible with unpressurized water storage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs filtration in advance by capturing water from the pressurized municipal supply line before it enters the unpressurized storage reservoir. The filter cartridge is pre-loaded with activated carbon and installed in the pressurized inlet conduit, so filtration occurs automatically when water flows through the conduit, eliminating the need to pressurize stored water.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet conduit acts as an intermediary medium that carries pressurized water from the municipal supply to the reservoir. By installing the filter within this conduit, the system uses the existing pressurized flow path as a carrier to deliver filtered water to the reservoir without requiring the reservoir itself to be pressurized.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If filtration is performed at the reservoir level, then water quality is improved, but the system complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration function is merged with the existing water inlet conduit structure. Rather than adding a separate filtration system to the reservoir, the filter cartridge is integrated directly into the inlet conduit, combining the functions of water delivery and filtration into a single streamlined component.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet conduit serves multiple functions: it delivers pressurized water from the municipal supply, houses the filtration system, and connects to the reservoir. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate filtration components and reduces overall system complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a permanent filtration system is installed, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but ease of maintenance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is segmented into a removable filter cartridge that can be independently accessed and replaced. The cartridge is designed as a separate modular component within the inlet conduit, allowing users to remove and replace it without disassembling the entire water delivery system or draining the reservoir.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cartridge is designed with dynamic accessibility - it can be easily inserted and removed from the inlet conduit by the user. This dynamic design allows for simple maintenance operations while maintaining the effectiveness of a substantial activated carbon filtration system during normal operation.
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 docking station automatically fills the beverage dispenser's reservoir with water of reduced chlorine and chloramine levels, improving taste and hygiene by ensuring filtered water is pressurized and directed into the dispenser.
Implementation Method 1
activated carbon is commonly used to reduce chlorine and chloramine levels within water
Implementation Method 2
activated carbon is commonly used to reduce chlorine and chloramine levels within water
Data Source
AI summary
A docking station for a beverage dispenser having a reservoir is provided. The docking station includes an inlet conduit that extends from a pressurized water source to a spout of the docking station. A removable water filter is coupled to the inlet conduit in order to filter the flow of water through the inlet conduit.