Beverage Dispenser Level Probe Mounting Without Fragile Sight Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensers with opaque bodies face challenges in accurately indicating the beverage level due to the use of fragile sight tubes and unreliable mechanical mounting of level sensing probes, which are prone to staining and hygiene issues.
Innovation Solution
A beverage dispenser with a flexible, elongate probe body and a rigid probe body mounted within a dispenser body, using a flexible probe circuit with conductive sensors and a secure mounting groove system, and an electronic display connected to the probe for level indication, made from materials like Ultem and Doosan polymer, allowing for secure and reliable level sensing without direct contact with the beverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If sight tubes are used to indicate beverage level, then visual indication is provided, but the tubes become fragile and stained over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sight tube system with an electronic level sensing circuit that uses a probe with conductive lands. The probe measures beverage level through electrical resistance changes, eliminating the need for transparent glass tubes and their associated fragility and staining problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic intermediary system (probe with conductive lands and level sensing circuit) between the beverage and the indication mechanism. This intermediary allows level detection without direct visual contact through glass tubes, solving both the fragility and staining issues.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical mounting means are used to secure sensing elements, then level sensing is achieved, but the mounting is not always reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing element mounting with the probe structure itself. The conductive lands are integrated into the probe body, eliminating separate mechanical mounting components and their associated reliability issues. The probe serves both as the structural support and the sensing element carrier.
3Loss of information
If electronic level sensing circuit with probe is used, then beverage level can be indicated, but the probe requires secure mounting within the dispenser body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the probe to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, carries the sensing elements (conductive lands), and enables level detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mounting structures and simplifies the overall device complexity.
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 solution enables reliable, cost-effective mass production of beverage dispensers with accurate level indication, suitable for hot beverages, ensuring secure mounting and easy cleaning, while maintaining hygiene and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive level probe is employed. This capacitive probe is formed by a series of capacitors at different levels that have a total capacitance that depends upon how many of the capacitors are below or above the surface of the beverage. Unlike the resistive the resistive probe, the capacitive plates do not have direct contact with the beverage but sense the beverage indirectly due to changes in dielectric constant.
Implementation Method 2
In the resistive probe used in this dispenser, the resistance between electrically conductive lands on the exterior of a probe body and exposed to the beverage varied depending upon the level of the beverage being was measured to determine the quantity of beverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage dispenser (10) having a hollow, insulated dispenser body (12), a removable cover (16) with an inlet opening (24) for receipt of freshly brewed beverage to an interior of the dispenser body (12), a closed bottom (18) and a faucet (22) for dispensing beverage from the body (12) has a level display system including an elongate, relatively flexible, probe body, or down tube (40) with a flexible probe circuit and having a bottom and a top with a plurality of electrically conductive sensors (43, 45, 47 and 49) mounted within an elongate mounting groove (182, FIGS. 21-23) formed in, and extending along, the elongate relatively rigid probe body (36). The flexible probe assembly (40) is secured within the groove by non-adhesive means, either by a thermal fusion joint 183) formed during injection molding (FIG. 20) of the rigid probe body (36) or by mechanical tabs (178, 180). The flexible probe circuit is made of a flexible plastic strip (127) with sensor locations (124) and a leads connector (130) on one side (125) of a middle layer (127) through-connected (136) to associated elongate leads (134) on the opposite side of the middle layer (127) and two covering top and bottom protective covering layers (114, 138) on opposite sides of the middle layer (127).