Refrigerated Dispenser Conversion System Using Electric Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated beverage dispensers, such as kegerators, are limited in their ability to dispense beverages from containers without elevated internal pressure and are typically designed for specific container outlets, making it difficult to use them with non-carbonated beverages or containers that do not fit the standard keg couplers.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerated beverage dispenser conversion system that includes an electric pump with differently sized inlet and outlet barbs and hoses, allowing connection to a bag-in-box container and the preexisting outlet of the dispenser, eliminating the need for pressurized tanks and enabling the dispensing of non-carbonated beverages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If refrigerated beverage dispensers are designed to rely on pressurized beverage containers, then they can dispense carbonated beverages effectively, but they cannot dispense beverages from containers lacking elevated internal pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pressurized delivery system (CO2 tanks, regulators, and complex piping) from the refrigerated beverage dispenser, replacing it with a simple electric pump system that can handle both pressurized and non-pressurized containers without requiring the harmful pressurization infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal dispensing system that can accommodate multiple container types (kegs, bag-in-box, and non-pressurized containers) through a single electric pump mechanism and adaptable connection hardware, eliminating the need for separate pressurized and non-pressurized dispensing systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If refrigerated beverage dispensers are designed with specific outlet connections for keg couplers, then they can dispense beer from kegs, but they lack hardware to connect to other container types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal connection system with an adaptable outlet assembly that can interface with various container types (keg couplers, bag-in-box spigots, and other container outlets) through interchangeable adapters and universal fitting designs, allowing a single dispenser to serve multiple container formats without requiring separate connection hardware for each type
3Adaptability or versatility
If owners want to dispense non-carbonated beverages from refrigerated containers, then they can use the existing dispenser, but they cannot do so without a pressurized delivery system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the pressurized delivery system (carbon dioxide tanks, regulators, and associated safety concerns) from the dispensing mechanism, replacing it with a gentle electric pump system that can safely and effectively dispense non-carbonated beverages without requiring pressurization, thereby removing the harmful factors associated with high-pressure gas systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressurization system (gas pressure) with an electrically-driven pump system that uses controlled mechanical pumping action to move beverages, enabling safe and effective dispensing of non-carbonated beverages without relying on pressurized gas infrastructure
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 the convenient dispensing of non-carbonated beverages from refrigerated containers without pressurized systems, expanding the usability of existing refrigerated beverage dispensers to include a wider range of container types.
Implementation Method 1
an electric pump configured for being mounted within an interior of a refrigerated beverage dispenser, the electric pump having an inlet and an outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerated beverage dispenser conversion system includes an electric pump configured for being mounted within an interior of a refrigerated beverage dispenser, the electric pump having an inlet and an outlet. An inlet barb is operatively connected to the electric pump at the inlet, and an inlet hose is operatively connected to the inlet barb at a first end of the inlet hose. The inlet barb and the inlet hose are sized to engage an outlet of a container disposed within the refrigerated beverage dispenser to bring the container in fluid communication with the electric pump. An outlet barb is operatively connected to the electric pump at the outlet and sized for operatively connecting to an outlet hose in fluid communication with an outlet of the refrigerated beverage dispenser. The outlet barb is differently sized from the inlet barb, such that the refrigerated beverage dispenser conversion system is configured to bring the container in fluid communication with the outlet of the refrigerated beverage dispenser.