Beverage Dispensing Manifold with Modular Ingredient Pumps
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current beverage dispensing systems lack interactivity and customization options for users, particularly in creating and dispensing flavored seltzers and other beverages, as they are limited to pre-set configurations and do not allow for user-defined recipes.
Innovation Solution
A beverage dispensing unit comprising a dispensing valve, ingredient pumps, a dispensing manifold, and a controller that allows users to input recipes, operate ingredient pumps, and mix ingredients with a beverage source, enabling customizable beverage creation. The system includes a housing for ingredient cartridges, an output compensator, and a user interface for recipe input and payment processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a beverage dispensing system uses pre-set configurations, then the system is simple to operate, but the system lacks customization options and interactivity for users
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage dispensing system is segmented into modular components: a controller, a dispensing valve, a dispensing manifold, and multiple ingredient pumps. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the system to handle complex customization tasks through coordinated simple actions of individual modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives and processes the user's recipe input in advance, calculating the required amounts of each ingredient before dispensing begins. This preliminary computation allows the system to execute the complex mixing process automatically without requiring the user to understand or manage the underlying complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system allows user-defined recipes with multiple ingredients, then the beverage creation becomes highly customizable, but the precision required for ingredient proportions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual measurement and mixing with automated electronic control. The controller sends precise control signals to each ingredient pump, which mechanically dispense exact volumes of ingredients based on the recipe specifications, eliminating human error in measurement and proportioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors and tracks the dispensing process, ensuring that each ingredient is delivered in the precise amount specified by the recipe. This closed-loop control maintains high precision even as the system handles complex multi-ingredient formulations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses multiple ingredient pumps and a dispensing manifold, then the beverage mixing capability is enhanced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing manifold serves multiple functions: it acts as a mixing chamber where ingredients combine, a distribution network that routes different ingredient streams, and a connection point for multiple ingredient pumps. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby managing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of multiple ingredient delivery mechanisms into a single integrated manifold structure. Instead of having separate mixing chambers and delivery systems for each ingredient, all ingredient streams converge in one manifold where mixing occurs, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining the capability to handle multiple ingredients.
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 users to create custom beverages by mixing ingredients with a beverage source, providing a more interactive and customizable experience while ensuring accurate ingredient proportions and payment processing, enhancing user satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
one or more ingredient pumps configured to be fluidly coupled to one or more ingredient sources. Each of the one or more ingredient pumps is configured to pump a corresponding ingredient from a corresponding ingredient source
Implementation Method 2
open the dispensing valve to allow a volume of beverage from the beverage source to flow through the dispensing manifold, wherein the volume of beverage mixes with the one or more ingredients in the manifold and flushes the ingredients out of the manifold
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing manifold includes a first end configured to be coupled with a shank, and a second end opposite the first end. The second end is configured to be coupled with a faucet. The dispensing manifold further includes a center bore that extends through an interior of the dispensing manifold and connects the first end and the second end. One or more ingredient valves can be arranged on an outer circumference of the dispensing manifold, and each of the ingredient valves provide a selective fluid connection to the center bore.