Beverage Shutoff Assembly With Pressure-Responsive Pump Cutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing systems lack effective monitoring and coordination of syrup and carbonated water dispensing, 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 the pump without direct contact with the fluids, and incorporating two chambers to monitor different fluids independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a vacuum-based ball valve system is used to detect syrup level, then the system can detect low syrup levels, but it cannot be effectively used in open beverage systems or with indirect contact with fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure-responsive member as an intermediary element that indirectly senses fluid conditions through pressure changes in the fluid line rather than direct contact with the syrup. This mediator translates pressure variations into mechanical displacement that actuates the electrical gate, enabling detection in open systems without direct fluid contact with sensing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical vacuum-based detection mechanisms with an electronic control system. The pressure-responsive member's mechanical displacement is converted into an electrical signal that controls the electrical gate, substituting purely mechanical systems with an electromechanical system that offers greater versatility and adaptability.
2Measurement precision
If a pressure-sensitive element with direct fluid contact is used, then syrup supply level can be detected, but the system cannot be used in open beverage systems
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-responsive member serves as an intermediary that senses pressure changes transmitted through the fluid line without requiring direct contact with the syrup. This allows the sensing mechanism to function in open beverage systems where direct contact would be problematic, while still maintaining accurate detection capability through indirect pressure sensing.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical valve shut-off mechanisms are used, then fluid flow can be stopped, but electronic control of the pump is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical valve shut-off mechanisms with an electrical gate controlled by the pressure-responsive member. This substitution enables electronic control of the pump while maintaining automated fluid flow control, as the electrical gate can be directly integrated with the pump's control system to provide seamless electromechanical operation.
4Reliability
If separate monitoring systems for syrup and water are implemented, then proper mixing can be ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the monitoring functions for both syrup and water into a single integrated device housing containing two chambers. Each chamber monitors one fluid type, but both are coordinated through a unified structure with shared components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable coordination of both fluid streams for proper mixing.
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 accurately controlling diluent flow and ensuring proper mixing of syrup and water, while allowing for electronic control of the pump, enhancing system reliability with redundancy between mechanical and electronic 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.