Dual-Temperature Mixing Chambers Enable Hot-Cold Beverage Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post-mix beverage dispensing equipment cannot produce both hot and cold drinks, limiting the variety of beverages that can be dispensed.
Innovation Solution
A beverage dispenser system that includes a temperature selector switch, solenoid valves, and mixing chambers to control the flow of hot and cold water with beverage concentrate, allowing for the creation of both hot and cold versions of a beverage using the same concentrate, with adjustable water-to-concentrate ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing post-mix beverage dispensing equipment is used, then cold beverages can be produced, but hot beverages cannot be produced
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage dispenser is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating both hot and cold water supply systems, allowing the same device to produce both hot and cold beverages. The system uses a single dispenser unit with selectable temperature modes, eliminating the need for separate hot and cold beverage machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between hot and cold water supply based on user selection. The control mechanism activates different solenoid valves depending on whether hot or cold beverage preparation is selected, enabling the system to adapt its function in real-time without physical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate hot and cold beverage dispensers are used, then both hot and cold beverages can be produced, but equipment cost and space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines hot and cold beverage dispensing functions into a single integrated unit. The dispenser merges the water supply system, mixing chamber, and dispensing mechanism into one compact device, reducing the space required compared to having separate hot and cold beverage machines.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate hot and cold beverage dispensers are used, then both hot and cold beverages can be produced, but equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage dispenser is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating both hot and cold water supply systems, allowing the same device to produce both hot and cold beverages. The system uses a single dispenser unit with selectable temperature modes, eliminating the need for separate hot and cold beverage machines.
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 production of hot and cold beverages from the same dispenser, increasing product variety, reducing equipment costs, and requiring less space, while maintaining control over beverage temperature and quality.
Implementation Method 1
solenoid valves, and mixing chambers to control the flow of hot and cold water
Implementation Method 2
controlling a flow rate of the water and a flow rate of the beverage concentrate into the mixing chamber for mixing of the water with the beverage concentrate
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus ( 100 ) and method may be configured for detecting selection between a hot version and a cold version of a beverage, causing opening of a first of a plurality of valves ( 212, 214 ) and closing of a second of the plurality of valves ( 234, 236 ) for providing water to a first of a plurality of mixing chambers ( 220, 238 ) on the selection, causing delivery of beverage concentrate to the first mixing chamber, controlling a flow rate of the water and a flow rate of the beverage concentrate into the mixing chamber for mixing of the water with the beverage concentrate in a controlled ratio to create the beverage, and dispensing the beverage from the mixing chamber.