Beverage Dispensing Nozzle Module for Compact Multi-Flavor Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional beverage dispensing systems are limited in their ability to offer multiple beverage flavors without increasing footprint or requiring additional counter space, and they often require complex assembly and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates a nozzle module with a housing that attaches to the beverage dispenser, featuring a nozzle positioned above a waste receptacle area, allowing for the dispensing of premeasured amounts of fluid based on user inputs and enabling the delivery of both branded beverages and additive ingredients without increasing the dispenser's footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple beverage dispensing valves are added to offer more flavors, then beverage variety is improved, but device footprint and counter space increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeverage varietyVSAvoidcounter space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle module is nested within or attached to the existing dispenser housing, with the module housing containing the nozzle and fluid delivery components in a compact arrangement that utilizes vertical and horizontal space efficiently without expanding the overall counter footprint

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple beverage dispensing valves are added to offer more flavors, then beverage variety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeverage varietyVSAvoidassembly and maintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into a main dispenser unit and a separate, self-contained nozzle module that can be independently installed, removed, and maintained. The module includes integrated components (nozzle, fluid delivery system, positioning features) that function as a unified assembly, simplifying both assembly and maintenance procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The nozzle module is designed with universal attachment features that allow it to be installed on existing dispensers without requiring complex modifications. The module can deliver different beverages through the same basic structure, providing multi-functionality through fluid source selection rather than structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If nozzle is positioned closer to the dispenser housing, then compactness is improved, but fluid delivery control and precision are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule compactnessVSAvoidfluid delivery precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle position within the module is optimized to provide appropriate spacing from the housing while maintaining compact overall dimensions. The module housing acts as a positioning structure that ensures precise fluid delivery through controlled geometry rather than requiring the nozzle to be extremely close to the housing surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3645451B1Beverage dispensing system
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 PEPSICO INC
  • EP3645451B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3645451B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3645451B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A beverage dispensing system is provided. The beverage dispensing system can include a nozzle module connected to a beverage dispenser housing. The nozzle module can be vertically and/or horizontally spaced from a beverage dispenser valve and nozzle.