Beverage Supply Device Syrup Mixing Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage supplying apparatuses have limited flavor choices and struggle to produce well-balanced beverages when mixing two kinds of syrups, as they do not facilitate the mixing of multiple syrups effectively.

Innovation Solution

A beverage supplying apparatus that includes an operation receiving section for selecting a main syrup and a topping syrup, a valve system for controlling the flow of both syrups, and a mixing section that combines the syrups without diluting the topping syrup, allowing for precise control over the mixing ratio and flavor balance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two kinds of syrups are mixed to increase beverage flavor choices, then the number of beverage flavor choices increases, but it becomes difficult to produce a beverage with well-balanced syrup flavors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of beverage flavor choicesVSAvoidflavor balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the syrup supply system into separate channels: a first syrup supply channel for the main syrup and a second syrup supply channel for the topping syrup. This segmentation allows independent control of each syrup flow, enabling precise adjustment of the mixing ratio between different syrups to achieve well-balanced flavors while expanding beverage flavor choices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flow rate control mechanisms (such as flow meters or controllable valves) to precisely adjust the parameters of syrup flow rates. By independently controlling the flow rate of the first syrup and the second syrup, the system can achieve precise flavor balance when mixing multiple syrups, resolving the difficulty of maintaining proper flavor proportions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If a solenoid valve is used to discharge syrup intermittently, then the syrup can be diluted with water, but the number of beverage flavor choices remains limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage production efficiencyVSAvoidbeverage flavor choices

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a multi-functional syrup supply system that can handle both diluted beverages (using the first syrup supply channel) and undiluted topping syrups (using the second syrup supply channel). This universal system allows the beverage machine to produce various types of beverages including those with mixed syrups, significantly expanding flavor choices beyond what a single solenoid valve system can achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the second syrup is supplied continuously, then the flavor is strong, but it becomes difficult to achieve well-balanced flavor mixing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflavor consistencyVSAvoidflavor balance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the second syrup supply through a controllable valve or flow meter that can adjust the flow rate in real-time. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to optimize the topping syrup flow rate to match the main syrup flow rate, achieving well-balanced flavors while maintaining consistent flavor quality through precise control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution significantly increases the number of beverage flavor choices and allows for the production of well-balanced beverages by enabling the precise mixing of multiple syrups, enhancing user options and flavor control.

Implementation Method 1

a pump that is provided in the passage for supplying the second syrup between the syrup tank storing the second syrup and the valve and that intermittently supplies the second syrup when the valve is open

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

a valve that opens/closes a passage for supplying the second syrup stored under pressure in one of the plurality of syrup tanks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectValve: Valve

Implementation Method 3

a mixing section that produces the main beverage by mixing the water or carbonated water and the first syrup at a prescribed ratio and that produces a beverage by mixing the second syrup with the main beverage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMixing:

Data Source

PatentUS10676336B2Beverage supplying device

Publication Date: 2020.06.09 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A beverage supplying device comprising: a touch panel for receiving an operation for selecting a main syrup constituting a main beverage, and a topping syrup added as flavoring to the main beverage; a second syrup solenoid valve for opening and closing a passage for supplying the topping syrup that is stored under pressure in a syrup tank; a second syrup pump for intermittently supplying the topping syrup while the second syrup solenoid valve is open, the second syrup pump being provided to the passage for supplying the topping syrup between the syrup tank and the second syrup solenoid valve; and a nozzle for producing the main beverage by mixing the main syrup with water or carbonated water at a prescribed ratio, and producing a beverage by mixing the topping syrup with the main beverage without diluting the topping syrup.