Method of dispensing a beverage, a beverage preparation machine, and a system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing machines cannot readily distinguish between different types of beverage ingredient tablets, leading to suboptimal dispensation parameters and inefficient beverage production.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the measurement of the surface finish of a beverage ingredient tablet to identify its type, allowing for configuration of dispense parameters such as temperature, volume, flow rate, and pressure of an aqueous fluid, using non-contact sensors like interferometry or colorimetry to tailor the dispensation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If beverage ingredient tablets are used without separate identifiers, then environmental waste is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the machine cannot distinguish between different tablet types leading to suboptimal dispensation parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies colorimetry to detect color variations on the surface of beverage ingredient tablets. Different tablet types have different color characteristics that serve as identifiers. The colorimetric sensor measures the reflected light spectrum to determine tablet type without requiring separate physical identifiers like barcodes or RFID tags, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling accurate identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from physical structure (barcodes, labels) to optical properties (color, reflectance spectrum). By measuring the spectral reflectance characteristics of the tablet surface, the system can distinguish between different tablet types based on their unique color signatures, eliminating the need for separate identifier elements while maintaining identification accuracy.
2Productivity
If non-contact measurement methods like interferometry or colorimetry are used, then tablet damage is avoided and measurement speed is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact measurement methods with optical measurement methods (colorimetry, interferometry). Instead of physically touching the tablet with sensors or probes, the system uses light interaction with the tablet surface to obtain measurement data. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and damage risks while enabling non-contact, high-speed measurements, though it introduces optical system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium between the sensor and the tablet. The optical sensor detects tablet characteristics by analyzing light reflection, absorption, or interference patterns from the tablet surface. This intermediary approach enables non-contact measurement and avoids direct mechanical interaction, protecting the tablet while enabling rapid data acquisition.
3Loss of substance
If surface finish measurement is used to identify tablet type, then separate identifiers like labels or barcodes are eliminated reducing waste, but the measurement of surface properties must be sufficiently precise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes colorimetric measurement to detect variations in the surface color of beverage ingredient tablets. Different tablet types exhibit distinct color characteristics due to differences in ingredient composition and processing. By measuring the color spectrum reflected from the tablet surface, the system can accurately identify tablet type without requiring additional identifier materials, thereby reducing waste while achieving precise identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from measuring physical identifier parameters (barcode patterns, label text) to measuring intrinsic surface parameters (color, reflectance spectrum, surface roughness). This parameter change enables the use of the tablet's own surface properties as identifiers, eliminating the need for separate identifier materials and reducing environmental waste while maintaining measurement precision through sensitive optical detection.
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
Enables tailored dispensation parameters for each type of beverage ingredient tablet, improving the quality and efficiency of beverage production by avoiding the need for separate identifiers and reducing environmental waste.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a surface finish of at least a portion of the beverage ingredient tablet using a sensor such as a sensor that operates using interferometry
Implementation Method 2
such as a sensor that operates using interferometry, colorimetry or focus variation
Implementation Method 3
contacting the beverage ingredient tablet with an aqueous fluid
Implementation Method 4
contacting the beverage ingredient tablet with an aqueous fluid to dissolve the tablet
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method of dispensing a beverage comprising: a) inserting a beverage ingredient tablet (20) into a beverage preparation machine (30); b) measuring a surface finish of at least a portion of the beverage ingredient tablet (20) to identify the beverage ingredient tablet; c) configuring one or more dispense parameters of the beverage preparation machine (30) based on the identification of the beverage ingredient tablet (20); and d) operating the beverage preparation machine (30) to dispense a beverage by contacting the beverage ingredient tablet (20) with an aqueous fluid.