Blend Chamber Level Sensing for Self-Calibrating Drink Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-serve blending devices face challenges in achieving uniform consistency in blended beverages, particularly with cold beverages containing ice and fruit, due to the need for accurate ingredient measurement and efficient blending, which existing technologies fail to address consistently.
Innovation Solution
A self-serve drink blending device equipped with a blend chamber, product sources, a water source, an ice source, a liquid level sensor, and a controller that automatically calibrates these components using capacitive sensors to determine fluid flow rates and dispense rates, ensuring consistent blending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual calibration and measurement of ingredients is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and measurement precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-calibration by dispensing ingredients into the blend chamber and using the liquid level sensor to determine actual dispense volumes. The controller stores these calibrated values for use during normal operation, eliminating the need for manual calibration while achieving precise measurement and dispensing control
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs calibration operations in advance before actual beverage preparation. By pre-calibrating the dispense volumes of all ingredients and storing these values, the system ensures accurate ingredient measurement during normal operation without requiring manual intervention at the time of beverage preparation
2Productivity
If automated calibration and dispensing is implemented, then productivity and consistency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid level sensor serves multiple functions: it detects when the blend chamber is full during calibration, determines actual dispense volumes for calibration calculations, and monitors ingredient levels during normal operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors and control mechanisms, managing device complexity while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the liquid level sensor to provide feedback on the actual volume of ingredients dispensed into the blend chamber. The controller compares expected versus actual volumes and stores calibration factors that compensate for variations in dispensing performance, ensuring consistent beverage preparation while automating the calibration process
3Reliability
If accurate quantity measurement of ingredients is achieved, then beverage quality is improved, but measurement precision and device complexity are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid level sensor is positioned at a specific height on the blend chamber to detect when ingredients reach the optimal fill level. By calibrating the system to recognize this specific local level, the controller can accurately determine dispense volumes and maintain reliable beverage consistency without requiring complex measurement systems throughout the entire chamber
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
The device ensures consistent and efficient blending by accurately measuring and mixing ingredients, improving the quality and uniformity of blended beverages, accommodating various types of drinks and reducing manual input through automated calibration and dispensing processes.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid level sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include a pad having at least two conductive traces separated by an insulator.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-serve drink blending device includes a blend chamber, at least one product source, a water source, an ice source, a liquid level sensor, a controller and a dispenser. The blend chamber includes a blending blade. The at least one product source is configured to deliver a volume of product to the blend chamber. The water source is configured to deliver a volume of water to the blend chamber. The ice source is configured to deliver a volume of ice to the blend chamber. The liquid level sensor is mounted to the blend chamber and configured to create a liquid level signal when contents in the blend chamber reach a predetermined level. The controller is configured to automatically calibrate the at least one product source, the water source, and the ice source based on the liquid level signal. The dispenser is arranged to dispense contents from the blend chamber.