Method for taking into use an exchangeable supply pack in a beverage dispensing machine and system comprising an exchangeable supply pack and computer program product

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Solution Overview

Problem

Beverage dispensing machines face damage risks during the initial operational mode due to heat generation in the dosing pump when switching to a new exchangeable supply pack, especially with liquids of high viscosity, as the liquid substance is not immediately present to act as a coolant and lubricant.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that include a controller-driven activation procedure with a repeating activation cycle, where the dosing pump is activated for a period and then partially deactivated, detecting the presence of liquid substance within the pump to moderate heat development, and a rotatable piercing element for broaching the container to facilitate liquid access, reducing the risk of damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the dosing pump is continuously activated during initial operational mode, then liquid substance is transported from container to pump, but heat development damages the dosing pump

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid transport speedVSAvoidheat development

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing an activation cycle that alternates between activating the dosing pump for a first period of time and at least partially deactivating it for a second period of time. This periodic operation allows the pump to cool down during deactivation phases, preventing heat accumulation and damage while still achieving liquid transport over time. The cycle repeats until liquid substance is detected in the pump.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If the dosing pump is activated to transport liquid, then the liquid serves as coolant and lubricant, but during initial mode without liquid the pump suffers heat damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump operation reliabilityVSAvoidpump temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing detection means that detect when liquid substance is present in the pump before allowing continuous operation. The activation cycle with periodic deactivation is performed in advance to prepare the system for reliable operation. This preliminary periodic operation prevents heat damage before it occurs, ensuring the pump is ready for sustained operation once liquid is present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If high viscosity liquid is used, then liquid access to pump is difficult, but continuous activation causes overheating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid access speedVSAvoidpump temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The periodic activation cycle is particularly beneficial for high viscosity liquids as it provides sufficient time for the viscous liquid to flow into the pump during activation phases while allowing cooling during deactivation phases. The repeated cycling continues until liquid detection confirms sufficient liquid presence, accommodating the slower flow characteristics of high viscosity substances without causing overheating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

The solution effectively mitigates the risk of dosing pump damage by moderating heat development and ensuring reliable liquid access, even with high viscosity liquids, allowing for safe and efficient operation during the start-up mode.

Implementation Method 1

activating the dosing pump during a first period of time

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical pumping: Pump

Implementation Method 2

the liquid substance serves as a coolant for the pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 3

heat being developed in the dosing pump resulting from a friction between the mutually moving parts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

additionally as lubricant between mutually moving parts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 5

detecting whether or not a liquid substance is present inside the dosing pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDensity detection: Density Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10368686B2Method for taking into use an exchangeable supply pack in a beverage dispensing machine and system comprising an exchangeable supply pack and computer program product

Publication Date: 2019.08.06 KONINK DOUWE EGBERTS BV

AI summary

A method for taking into use an exchangeable supply pack in a beverage dispensing machine is disclosed. The exchangeable supply pack comprising a dosing pump and a container with a liquid substance to be supplied by the beverage dispensing machine. The method subsequently comprises detecting placement of the exchangeable supply pack and executing an activation procedure. The activation procedure comprises repeating an activation cycle while detecting whether or not a liquid substance is present inside the dosing pump. The activation cycle comprises activating the dosing pump during a first period of time and at least partially deactivating the dosing pump during a second period of time. The activation procedure is completed when it is detected that liquid substance is present in the dosing pump. In addition a beverage dispensing system and a computer program product are disclosed herein.