Diluent Manifold Flow Control Spool for Rapid Beverage Changeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensers face difficulties in quickly changing the type of diluent supplied to each valve, making it tedious and expensive to accommodate new mixed beverages, as current systems require reconfiguration and re-plumbing.
Innovation Solution
A diluent manifold with a flow control spool that selectively permits the flow of different diluents, allowing for quick changeover and the creation of mixed diluents by varying the percentage of plain and carbonated water, enabling the dispensing of a variety of beverages without reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing beverage dispensers use fixed diluent supply systems, then the system structure is simple, but it is difficult to quickly change the type of diluent supplied to each valve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the diluent supply system adjustable and reconfigurable. The manifold includes movable components such as the flow control spool that can be rotated to different positions, and the quick-connect couplings that allow rapid reconfiguration. This transforms a static fixed supply system into a dynamic one that can adapt to different diluent types and mixing ratios without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold is segmented into multiple independent controllable outlets, each capable of receiving different diluent combinations. The flow control spool is divided into multiple sections that can independently control flow to different outlets. This segmentation allows each valve to be independently configured for different beverage types while sharing a common manifold structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing systems require reconfiguration and re-plumbing to accommodate new mixed beverages, then the system structure is stable, but the changeover process is tedious and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is pre-configured with multiple diluent inlets and flow control mechanisms that are ready for different beverage types. The flow control spool is pre-positioned with calibrated openings for different mixing ratios. This preliminary preparation allows operators to quickly switch between beverage types by simply rotating the spool or adjusting knobs, without requiring time-consuming re-plumbing or reconfiguration work.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic flow control mechanisms including a rotatable flow control spool with multiple positioned openings, adjustable flow control valves, and quick-connect couplings. These dynamic elements enable rapid reconfiguration from one beverage type to another without permanent modifications, reducing changeover time while maintaining system stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing systems use fixed diluent supply to each valve, then the system is easy to operate, but it cannot easily create mixed diluents with varying percentages
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is designed as a universal system that can supply different diluent combinations to multiple valves simultaneously. The flow control spool and adjustable valves provide multi-functionality, allowing the same manifold to create various mixing ratios for different beverage types. Operators can control diluent mixing through standardized knobs and adjustments, maintaining ease of operation while achieving versatile mixing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters through the flow control spool rotation and valve adjustments. By rotating the spool to different angular positions or adjusting the flow control valves, operators change the flow rate parameters of different diluents to achieve desired mixing ratios. This parameter-based control maintains operational simplicity while enabling versatile diluent mixing for various beverage formulations.
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage dispenser has a diluent manifold that dispensing a first diluent, a second diluent, or a mixed diluent to a beverage dispensing valve that receives and dispense the first diluent, the second diluent, or the mixed diluent with a concentrate from a concentrate source. The diluent manifold has a first inlet configured to receive the first diluent, a second inlet configured to receive the second diluent and an outlet that dispenses the first diluent, the second diluent, or a mixed diluent comprising the first diluent and the second diluent. A flow control spool is included that selectively permits the first diluent, the second diluent, or both the first diluent and the second diluent to convey through the diluent manifold such that the first diluent, the second diluent, or the mixed diluent dispenses from the outlet.