Optical Supply Pack Sensing for Beverage Product Availability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing systems require costly and complex sensors for pack and product detection, which are cumbersome to assemble and operate, and lack cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A system using light detection with transparent and opaque elements in exchangeable supply packs, employing multiple light detectors to differentiate signals and determine pack positioning and product availability without physical contact, leveraging the change in refractive index between liquid and air to enhance detection reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If costly and complex sensors are used for pack and product detection, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent light detectors, each responsible for detecting specific features (pack presence, product level). This segmentation allows each detector to be simple while the system achieves high reliability through combined information from multiple detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The light detectors serve multiple functions: detecting pack presence, determining product availability, and identifying pack positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized complex sensors for each detection task.
2Measurement precision
If sensitive and accurate sensors are used for automated detection, then detection precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The supply pack itself provides detection features through its transparent and opaque elements. The pack's structural design (transparent doser chamber, opaque barriers) automatically enables detection without requiring complex external sensing systems, making both manufacture and operation easier.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects changes in light transmission parameters caused by the presence or absence of product in the transparent doser chamber. This parameter-based detection approach maintains precision while using simple optical components that are easy to manufacture and assemble.
3Reliability
If multiple light detectors are used to differentiate signals, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system uses multiple light detectors positioned to detect different aspects of the supply pack (pack presence, product level, positioning). Each detector has a specific function, and their combined signals provide reliable differentiation of detection states without requiring complex individual detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
Light acts as an intermediary between the supply pack features and the detectors. The transparent and opaque elements of the pack modulate the light, and the detectors simply measure light intensity changes. This intermediary approach simplifies the detector design while maintaining reliable signal differentiation.
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 system provides a simple, reliable, and cost-effective means for automated detection of pack presence and product availability, reducing human interference and enhancing automation in beverage dispensing processes.
Implementation Method 1
By emitting light and measuring the presence of the emitted light on a light detector, the system determines the absence or the correct/incorrect placement of the supply pack. More particularly, when the light does come through unhindered, the supply pack is absent or not properly placed.
Implementation Method 2
leveraging the change in refractive index between liquid and air to enhance detection reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Means are provided for the support of the automated process of supplying beverages. More particularly, the detection of the presence and the contents of exchangeable supply packs in beverage dispensing machines is automated. A pack-in-place detection is provided by emitting light and measuring the presence of the emitted light on one light detector, the system determines the absence or the correct/incorrect placement of the supply pack. A product availability detection is provided by detecting the intensity of light coming through a transparent element in the supply pack by another light detector, the system identifies the degree of product presence in the supply pack.