Beverage Dispenser Refill Control for Frozen Product Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Frozen beverage making devices often cause dilution and warming of previously frozen products due to inconsistent water and product temperatures, leading to unsuitable serving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that determines the volumetric freezing rate of the product, controls the refill rate of the hopper to match or exceed this rate, and optionally disables dispensing until the refilled volume has re-frozen to maintain desired temperature characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the entire amount of new product is refilled into the hopper, then the hopper is quickly replenished, but the previously frozen product becomes warmer and melts
Solution Approach 1:
The refill operation is divided into periodic cycles rather than a single continuous action. The system refills the hopper in intervals, allowing the product to re-freeze between refills. This periodic approach balances the need for quick replenishment with maintaining the frozen state of the product.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary freezing of the product in the hopper before the next refill cycle begins. By ensuring the product is fully frozen before adding new material, the system prevents temperature rise and melting during the refill process.
2Temperature
If refilling is delayed to prevent warming, then product temperature is maintained, but the hopper may run out of product
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the volume of product in the hopper and uses this feedback to determine when to initiate the next refill cycle. This ensures the hopper is replenished at the optimal time to maintain both temperature and adequate product quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The refill timing and rate are dynamically adjusted based on real-time conditions in the hopper, including current product volume and temperature state. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize between preventing melting and ensuring adequate supply.
3Productivity
If refill water at one temperature is used with previously mixed product at a second temperature, then refilling is efficient, but dilution and warming occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the refill water to match or be compatible with the previously mixed product temperature. By controlling the water temperature parameter, the system prevents unwanted thermal effects while maintaining refill efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different temperature conditions to different portions of the refill process. The refill water is conditioned to have appropriate temperature characteristics for mixing with the existing product, ensuring consistent beverage composition throughout the hopper.
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
Prevents dilution and warming of frozen beverages, ensuring consistent quality and availability by maintaining the frozen state of the product during refilling and dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
the refilled volume is permitted to re-freeze
Implementation Method 2
previously frozen product to maintain its consistency
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method delaying refilling of a reservoir in a beverage dispensing system or dispensing of a mixed volume to prevent undesirable characteristics in the dispensed beverage. First, a volumetric freezing rate is determined for the product. Next, a volume of frozen product is dispensed. The rate the dispensed volume is refilled is controlled to be no faster than the volumetric freezing rate.