Modular Beverage Dispensing Flow Control for Rapid Product Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processing systems for producing products are often static and limited in their ability to generate a variety of products, requiring extensive modifications to mechanical, electrical, and software systems for reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A modular product dispensing system that includes a flow control device with a feedback mechanism, a variable line impedance, and a pump module with a solenoid piston pump assembly, along with a capacitance-based flow sensor and a stepper motor, allowing for precise control and regulation of ingredient flow and mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static processing system with dedicated components is used, then the system structure is simple and reliable, but the system cannot generate a variety of products and requires extensive modifications for reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal processing system where a single pump module can handle multiple ingredients (syrups, juices, concentrates) and a single dispensing mechanism can produce various beverage products. The system uses standardized interfaces and a centralized control system that can be reprogrammed to accommodate different product formulations, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware for each product type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities through software-controlled valve actuation and pump operation. The processing system can adapt its configuration in real-time based on the desired product, allowing transitions between different beverage formulations without physical reconfiguration. The control system dynamically adjusts flow rates, mixing ratios, and dispensing sequences to produce various products from the same hardware platform.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive modifications are made to reconfigure the system for different products, then new product capabilities are achieved, but the reconfiguration time and system downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures multiple ingredient supplies and maintains them in ready-to-use containers within the processing system. The control system pre-loads product formulations and dispensing parameters into memory, allowing instant switching between products. Ingredient lines are kept pressurized and flushed with appropriate fluids to prevent degradation during product transitions, eliminating time-consuming setup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves product reconfiguration by changing operational parameters rather than physical configuration. The control system modifies flow rates, pressure settings, valve timing, and mixing ratios through software to produce different beverages. This parameter-based reconfiguration allows instant product switching without mechanical reconfiguration, significantly reducing downtime between product changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If new components are added to accomplish new tasks, then product capabilities are expanded, but the device complexity and modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments ingredient handling into modular components: individual pump modules for each ingredient supply, separate valve assemblies for flow control, and independent supply containers. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple ingredients using standardized modular units rather than requiring custom-integrated components for each ingredient type, simplifying manufacturing and future expansions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a centralized control system as an intermediary that manages all ingredient handling operations. This control system provides a unified interface for managing multiple ingredients, coordinating pump operations, valve actuation, and dispensing sequences. The intermediary controller abstracts the complexity of handling multiple ingredients, allowing the system to expand ingredient capabilities by simply adding new supply lines that connect to the existing modular architecture.
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 the efficient and flexible production of a wide range of products by allowing for real-time adjustment of ingredient flow and mixing, reducing the need for extensive reconfiguration and improving system versatility.
Implementation Method 1
The pump module may include a solenoid piston pump assembly configured to provide a calibratedly determined volume of the second ingredient
Implementation Method 2
The transducer assembly may include a first capacitive plate coupled to the diaphragm and moveable therewith, and may include a second capacitive plate rigidly affixed relative to the fluid chamber. The flow signal may be based upon, at least in part, a change in capacitance between the first capacitive plate and the second capacitive plate
Implementation Method 3
The variable line impedance may include a first rigid member having a first surface and a second rigid member having a second surface. A variable cross-section fluid pathway may be defined by, at least in part, the first surface and the second surface. The first surface may be movable relative to the second surface to increase and decrease the variable cross-section fluid pathway
Implementation Method 4
The flow measuring device may include a positive displacement flow measuring device. The positive displacement flow measuring device may include a gear-based positive displacement flow measuring device
Data Source
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AI summary
A product dispensing system includes a flow control device configured to regulate a first ingredient. A pump module is configured to be coupled to a supply of a second ingredient. A controller is configured to provide a first control signal to the flow control device for controlling the supply of a first quantity of the first ingredient based upon, at least in part, a predetermined recipe. The controller is further configured to provide a second control signal to the pump module for controlling the supply of a first quantity of the second ingredient based upon, at least in part, the predetermined recipe.