Beverage Shutoff Assembly Using Pressure Sensing to Prevent Over-Dilution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing systems fail to effectively monitor and coordinate the dispensing of syrup and carbonated water, leading to over-dilution when the syrup level is low, and are not suitable for open systems or indirect contact with fluids.
Innovation Solution
A beverage shutoff system with a housing having a pressure responsive member that translates between positions in response to pressure changes, controlling an electrical gate to manage fluid flow, allowing for electronic control of a pump without direct contact with the fluids, and incorporating two chambers to monitor different fluids independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vacuum-based ball system is used to detect syrup level, then syrup depletion can be detected, but the system becomes mechanically complex and unsuitable for open systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical vacuum-based ball detection system with an electronic pressure sensor system. The pressure sensor electronically monitors pressure changes in the syrup line to detect syrup depletion, eliminating the need for mechanical balls, vacuum chambers, and associated moving parts. This substitution maintains reliable detection while dramatically reducing mechanical complexity and enabling use in open systems.
2Reliability
If a float-based syrup actuated switching device is used, then syrup level can be detected, but the system requires direct contact with syrup which complicates design for open systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary pressure sensor that indirectly detects syrup levels by monitoring pressure changes in the syrup line, rather than using a float that directly contacts the syrup. This intermediary approach allows the detection system to function without direct syrup contact, making it compatible with open systems while maintaining reliable detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If separate monitoring systems are used for syrup and carbonated water, then each fluid can be monitored independently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the monitoring of syrup and carbonated water into a single integrated control system. The electronic control unit receives signals from pressure sensors monitoring both fluids and coordinates their dispensing through a unified control mechanism. This merging maintains precise independent monitoring of each fluid while reducing overall system complexity compared to completely separate monitoring systems.
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 over-dilution by electronically controlling the flow of diluents and syrups, ensuring accurate mixing and efficient operation in open systems without mechanical complications, providing redundancy through both electronic and mechanical shutdown mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure responsive member (e.g., elastic diaphragm, elastic membrane, etc.) is (at least partially) incorporated in the housing and is (at least partially) in direct fluid communication with the first cavity. At rest, the pressure responsive member is biased toward a first position, and translates to a second position in response to a pressure change in the cavity.
Data Source
AI summary
A shutoff switch for dispensing mixed beverages is presented. The shutoff switch includes a syrup inlet receiving syrup and a syrup outlet dispensing the syrup to a pump. The shutoff switch also includes a water inlet receiving water, and a water outlet dispensing the water to a either the pump or a dispensing point. Two distinct inlets and outlets for syrup and water prevent the syrup and water being mixed in the shutoff switch. The shutoff switch further includes a pressure responsive member that deforms based on pressure changes in the shutoff switch. When the deformation of the pressure responsive member reaches a threshold, an electrical gate in direct communication with the pressure responsive member opens, turning of a pump of the beverage dispensing system. Valves in either chamber of the shutoff switch can also be used as a redundant mechanical way to stop flow in the system.