Automated Beverage Dispensing Line Flushing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing systems are limited in their ability to handle multiple beverages and effectively flush dispensing lines, leading to contamination and inefficiencies in dispensing different types of beverages.
Innovation Solution
An automated flushing system that uses beverage tubing with branching configurations for flushing fluids and valves to automatically flush and refill lines after each pour, allowing for the dispensing of various beverages without contamination, and includes a controller to manage the flow and pricing based on user selection and sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If beverage dispensing systems use single-line configuration without flushing capability, then device complexity is reduced, but beverage contamination occurs and versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage dispensing system is segmented into multiple independent tubing branches, each dedicated to a specific beverage source. This segmentation allows each branch to be independently controlled and flushed, enabling the system to handle multiple beverage types without cross-contamination while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The flushing fluid supply system is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple beverage branches. A single flushing fluid source connects to all beverage tubing branches through valve assemblies, allowing one flushing system to clean multiple beverage lines, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility
2Reliability
If automated flushing is implemented after each pour, then beverage purity is improved, but device complexity and operational time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary flushing actions automatically triggered by the completion of a beverage pour. The controller detects when dispensing ends and immediately initiates flushing of that specific branch before the next beverage is selected, ensuring cleanliness is maintained without requiring manual intervention or excessive waiting time
Solution Approach 2:
The flushing operation is implemented as a periodic action that occurs at regular intervals - specifically after each beverage pour is completed. This periodic flushing ensures beverage lines remain clean while minimizing total flushing time by only activating when necessary, rather than continuous flushing
3Reliability
If multiple flushing fluid supplies are used, then flushing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flushing fluid supply system is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple beverage branches. A single flushing fluid source connects to all beverage tubing branches through valve assemblies, allowing one flushing system to clean multiple beverage lines, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility
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 efficient and clean dispensing of multiple beverages by preventing contamination and accurately calculating and charging for the dispensed amount, improving operational efficiency and customer experience.
Implementation Method 1
the first branch comprising a first valve configured to control a flow of first flushing fluid from the first flushing fluid supply
Implementation Method 2
the second branch comprising a second valve configured to control a flow of beverage from the beverage source
Implementation Method 3
determine that beverage has flowed to the dispenser based on a pressure of the beverage source
Data Source
AI summary
Kegs of beer may be connected in parallel alongside one or more valves that connect to a flushing fluid supply. When a beer is selected, the associated beer valve opens so that beer can be dispensed. After a pour is completed, the system automatically flushes the beverage tubing line clean by opening a flushing fluid valve, allowing flushing fluid to cleanse the line. This flushing of the line enables the system to dispense a beer from a recently flushed line for each pour, and/or dispense many different beers because leftovers of a beer from an earlier pour do not contaminate the line for later pours. The system is also configured to measure the time poured based on information from a sensor in a dispenser (e.g., a tap handle). The time poured and a measured flow rate are used to calculate the total price to charge a customer for the beer.