Multiple fluid distribution and refrigeration system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial facilities face challenges in maintaining consistent quality and temperature of frozen beverages due to improper ingredient mixing and neglect of routine maintenance in individual dispensers, leading to unpredictable taste and texture, and potential operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A multiple fluid distribution and refrigeration system comprising a fluid distribution subsystem, refrigeration subsystem, and control subsystem, which includes bulk storage tanks, mixing tanks, fluid manifold assemblies, and a control assembly to maintain temperature and quality of fluids distributed to remote locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If individual frozen beverage dispensers are used throughout the facility, then each dispenser can be independently operated and maintained, but the temperature and quality of the beverages become inconsistent across different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual dispensers into a single centralized fluid distribution system with one refrigeration unit that serves multiple locations. This merging approach ensures consistent temperature and quality across all dispensing points while maintaining independent operation through multiple fluid outlets and dispensers distributed throughout the facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized refrigeration system performs multiple functions by serving several fluid dispensers across different locations simultaneously. The single refrigeration unit cools multiple fluid types (beverages, ice, etc.) and distributes them through a network of conduits to various dispensers, making the system universally applicable to multiple endpoints.
2Ease of operation
If employees manually mix ingredients in each dispenser, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but mixing consistency and product quality become unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the centralized refrigeration and distribution system automatically maintains fluid temperature and availability without requiring manual intervention for mixing or temperature control at each dispenser location. Employees simply operate the dispensers without needing to manually mix ingredients, ensuring consistent quality while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Productivity
If multiple individual dispensers are distributed throughout the facility, then beverage availability at various locations is improved, but maintenance time and expense increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual refrigeration systems into a single centralized refrigeration unit that serves multiple dispensers. This consolidation reduces the total number of refrigeration systems requiring maintenance from many individual units to one central unit, significantly reducing maintenance time and expense while maintaining beverage availability across multiple locations through the fluid distribution network.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a centralized fluid distribution system is used, then temperature and quality consistency is improved, but the system complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized fluid distribution system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a refrigeration subsystem with evaporator and condenser, a fluid distribution subsystem with conduits and manifolds, and multiple dispensers. This segmentation allows the complex system to be designed, installed, and maintained in manageable sections while achieving consistent temperature and quality across all output points.
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
Ensures consistent temperature and quality of fluids across multiple dispensers, reducing maintenance needs and enhancing customer satisfaction by automating fluid distribution and refrigeration processes.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigeration subsystem in thermal exchange relationship with the fluid distribution subsystem
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple fluid distribution and refrigeration system and method associated therewith are disclosed. The system is configured to transmit large quantities of multiple fluids to various predetermined locations while maintaining a temperature and quality thereof. The system comprises a fluid distribution subsystem configured to distribute a plurality of fluids, a refrigeration subsystem in thermal exchange relationship with the fluid distribution subsystem; and a control subsystem in communication with the fluid distribution subsystem and the refrigeration subsystem