Dispenser with parallel dispensing paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a simple hot water and/or steam dispensing arrangement associated with a beverage dispensing arrangement in machines that prepare beverages like coffee, tea, and soup, which existing machines do not effectively address for hygiene and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A beverage machine with a water circuit connected to a source, featuring a mixing unit with movable modules that direct water flow selectively into a beverage preparation module or a separate water dispensing unit, utilizing valves and thermal conditioners to control water temperature and flow, allowing for the preparation of various beverages and simultaneous hot water or steam dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate water dispensing outlet is provided for hygiene reasons, then hygiene is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water circuit is designed to serve multiple functions: it supplies water to both the beverage preparation module and the water dispensing unit through a single integrated system. The circuit includes a water inlet, pump, and distribution paths that can direct water to different outlets based on operational needs, allowing one system to fulfill multiple dispensing roles while maintaining hygiene standards
Solution Approach 2:
The water circuit is segmented into different distribution paths with separate control valves. One path leads to the beverage preparation module while another leads to the water dispensing unit. This segmentation allows independent control of each dispensing function while sharing common water supply infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity compared to completely separate systems
2Productivity
If parallel dispensing paths are implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water circuit serves as a universal supply system that can simultaneously or alternatively provide water to both beverage preparation and direct water dispensing functions. This multi-functional design enables parallel operations without requiring completely separate water supply systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the water supply functions for beverage preparation and water dispensing into a single integrated water circuit with a common pump and inlet system. By combining these functions at the source level and using valve-based distribution, the system achieves parallel dispensing capability while avoiding the complexity of entirely separate water supply infrastructure
3Adaptability or versatility
If valves are used to direct water flow, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamically controllable valves that can redirect water flow based on operational requirements. The valves are integrated into the water circuit and can be actuated to direct water to different destinations (beverage module or water dispensing unit), providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed piping systems
Solution Approach 2:
The valves act as intermediary components within the water circuit that mediate between the common water supply and the different dispensing destinations. These valves provide controlled adaptation of water flow distribution without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire water supply system
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 preparation and dispensing of beverages with adjustable volume and temperature, ensuring hygiene by separating water and beverage dispensing outlets, and allowing for different types of beverages to be prepared with precise control over water flow and temperature.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal condenser for heating water from the water circuit to a predetermined temperature
Implementation Method 2
a pump fluidically connected to a thermal condenser for driving water from the thermal condenser inlet to the thermal condenser outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage preparation machine (1) has: a water circuit (12,13) for guiding water (2,2′,2″) from a source (11); and a mixing unit (20) fluidically connected to the water circuit (12,13) and to a beverage outlet (23) for dispensing to a consumer cup or mug (5) a beverage (3) formed in the mixing unit (20). The mixing unit (20) has a first module (21) and a second module (22) that are relatively movable from: a distant configuration for inserting an ingredient between the first and second modules (21,22); to a proximate position for combining such ingredient with water (2′) supplied by the water circuit (12,13) so as to form the beverage (3). The machine has: a further unit (30) fluidically connected to the water circuit (12,13) and to an outlet (33) for dispensing to a consumer cup or mug water (2″) supplied by the water circuit (12,13); and a water directing device (14) fluidically connected to the water circuit (12,13), to the mixing unit (20) and to the further unit (30). The directing device (14) has one or more valves (141,142;143,144) that is/are actuated by the relatively moving first and/or second modules (21,22) and that can be opened and closed for controlling a flow of water (2,2′,2″) from the water circuit (12,13) selectively to the mixing unit (20) or to the further unit (30).