Compact Beverage Dispenser With External Concentrate Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post-mix beverage dispensers require a large footprint due to the storage of multiple concentrates, making them unsuitable for locations with limited space, and lack user-friendly serviceability for consumable replacement.
Innovation Solution
A compact beverage dispenser with integrated components for mixing alkaline water, flavoring concentrates, and carbonation, allowing for customizable beverages, and featuring easily replaceable consumables like water filters and gas canisters, designed for placement in small spaces and serviceable by untrained users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple concentrate containers are stored in the dispenser to enable beverage customization, then beverage versatility is improved, but device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the concentrate storage function from the main dispenser body by using external bottles that can be placed on the countertop or shelf adjacent to the dispenser. The dispenser only retains the essential mixing and dispensing components, significantly reducing its footprint while maintaining the ability to store and mix multiple concentrate varieties for beverage customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where concentrate bottles are positioned within or adjacent to the dispenser housing, with the mixing chamber integrated inside the dispenser body. This nesting approach allows the system to maintain multiple concentrate containers while minimizing the overall space occupation of the dispenser unit.
2Ease of repair
If consumable components are made easily replaceable for user serviceability, then ease of maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dispenser into distinct functional modules: a removable mixing chamber, separate concentrate bottle compartments, an independent carbonation system, and a base unit. Each module can be independently accessed and replaced without disassembling the entire device, simplifying maintenance while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates quick-release mechanisms and snap-fit connections that allow consumable components to be dynamically replaced during operation. The mixing chamber can be quickly removed and reattached, and concentrate bottles can be easily swapped without tools, making the system adaptable to user needs while keeping the replacement process simple.
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 customizable beverage production in compact form factors with user-friendly maintenance, addressing space constraints and user serviceability needs.
Implementation Method 1
an alkaline chamber disposed in the housing and fluidly connected to the water source, wherein the alkaline chamber is configured to receive water from the water source and output alkaline water with an alkalinity greater than the water received from the water source
Implementation Method 2
A concentrate pump is disposed in the housing and fluidly connected to the alkaline chamber; and a concentrate container is removably disposed in the housing and fluidly connected to the concentrate pump
Implementation Method 3
A water chiller is disposed in the housing and includes a fluid tight container filled with a water bath, a cooling element disposed in the water chiller and configured to chill the water bath
Implementation Method 4
A carbonator tank or canister which contains carbon dioxide (i.e. CO2) gas under pressure, is disposed in the housing, or externally connected to the housing, and fluidly connected to both an output of the cooling coil and the gas source, wherein the carbonator chamber is configured to blend the pressurized gas with the chilled water such that at least some of the pressurized gas dissolves in the chilled water to produce sparkling water
Implementation Method 5
the nozzle is also fluidly connected to the water source separately from the combined flavoring concentrate and water output from the alkaline chamber, and wherein the nozzle is configured to mix water from the water source with the combined concentrate and alkaline water prior to dispensing the beverage
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage dispenser uses-high ratio concentrates to mix on-demand beverages. The high-ratio concentrate is pre-mixed with an alkaline water to allow for improved blending performance in the final beverage. The beverage recipe may be customized by the user to suit personal tastes. Aspects of the beverage dispenser also may include the ability to dispense room temperature, chilled, heated, sparkling, or highly alkaline beverages. Operation of a user interface to receive a beverage order includes the ability to display and employ user interfaces present on both a display on the beverage dispenser and an application on a mobile device. In some aspects, both user interfaces may be used simultaneously to receive user input. Methods of dispensing a beverage using the beverage dispensing systems are also discussed.