Disposable Integrated Bag Pump for Beverage Dispensers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beverage dispensers using liquid concentrate face challenges in maintaining hygiene due to labor-intensive cleaning requirements and inconsistency in mixing ratios, with existing pumps being expensive and complex.
Innovation Solution
The development of an integrated disposable bag pump where the pump is part of the collapsible liquid bag, featuring a solenoid actuator, allowing for easy replacement and eliminating the need for cleaning, with designs optimized for quiet operation and precise dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a peristaltic pump is used in the beverage dispenser, then the concentrate liquid can be dispensed, but the cleaning and sanitizing becomes labor intensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is integrated into the concentrate bag as a disposable unit that is discarded with the bag after use. This eliminates the need for cleaning and sanitizing the pump, as the entire pump-bag assembly is replaced with a new sterile unit for each concentrate type or service period.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump is merged with the concentrate bag into a single integrated disposable unit. This combination allows the pump to be discarded with the bag, eliminating separate cleaning requirements for the pump component.
2Manufacturing precision
If a sophisticated pump with fine resolution control is used, then consistent mixing ratios can be achieved, but the pump becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is designed as a disposable component with simple mechanics that can provide adequate dispensing precision for its intended use life. The pump is discarded after use, eliminating the need for expensive, complex, reusable pumps with sophisticated controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump is pre-calibrated during manufacturing to provide consistent dispensing ratios. The pump performs its function automatically without requiring complex external controllers or adjustment mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while maintaining precision.
3Ease of operation
If the pump is integrated into the collapsible bag, then cleaning is eliminated and design is simplified, but the pump must be disposable
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is manufactured as an inexpensive disposable component that is integrated into the concentrate bag. The low cost of the disposable pump allows it to be discarded with the bag, eliminating maintenance while keeping overall system costs low.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump and bag are merged into a single integrated unit that is manufactured and disposed of together. This integration simplifies the overall system design and eliminates the need for separate maintenance of the pump component.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the bag collapses as liquid is withdrawn, then air contamination is prevented, but a pump mechanism is required
Solution Approach 1:
A simple disposable pump mechanism is used that enables the bag to collapse as liquid is withdrawn, preventing air from entering the concentrate. The pump is discarded with the bag, eliminating the need for complex, reusable vacuum break prevention systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump mechanism is designed to automatically maintain the collapse of the bag during dispensing, preventing air ingress without requiring external control systems or complex mechanisms.
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
This solution simplifies the dispenser design, reduces manufacturing costs, ensures consistent mixing ratios, and eliminates the need for frequent cleaning, while maintaining product quality and freshness by preventing air contamination during bag replacement.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a solenoid actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable concentrate pump where the small pump body is part of a liquid collapsible bag reservoir, and the actuating solenoid is mounted in the dispenser. When a new bag is loaded, the attached pump body is inserted into a solenoid. When the bag is empty the in-bag part of the pump will be disposed of, along with the empty bag.