System and method for calibrating a formula dispenser and a formula dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensers for powder-based mixtures face challenges in accurately dispensing the correct amount of powder, often failing to account for variations in operating states and requiring complex user input and scale usage, leading to under- or over-nourishment issues.
Innovation Solution
A calibration system using a marked container with level markings and a controller to determine and confirm the correct powder dispensing amount, allowing users to input calibration numbers and adjust dispenser settings for precise powder-liquid ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users enter settings to approximate manufacturer recipes, then the dispenser can operate without a scale, but the settings may not account for differences in dispenser operating state or performance, leading to inaccurate powder dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by dispensing test portions and automatically measuring their actual weight using an integrated scale. The controller stores the relationship between setting values and actual dispensed amounts, enabling the dispenser to compensate for performance variations without requiring users to manually adjust settings for each operating condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by measuring the actual weight of dispensed powder portions and using this information to adjust future dispensing. The controller compares the measured weight against the target weight and modifies the motor control parameters to achieve accurate dosing, continuously adapting to changes in dispenser performance or operating state.
2Measurement precision
If the system requires a user to weigh powder using a scale, then measurement accuracy can be improved, but the process becomes more complex and requires the user to have an available scale
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the scale function directly into the dispenser unit, integrating the weighing mechanism with the powder dispensing mechanism. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external scales while maintaining measurement accuracy, and the controller automatically coordinates between the dispensing motor and the scale measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser performs self-calibration and self-measurement by automatically weighing the dispensed powder portions and using this data to adjust its own operation. The system serves itself by eliminating the need for external measurement devices or manual user intervention in the weighing process.
3Measurement precision
If settings are made adjustable to account for dispenser variations, then measurement precision can be improved, but the settings become difficult to generate and keep continuously updated
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates and updates calibration settings through continuous feedback from the integrated scale. The controller stores the relationship between user-selected portions and actual dispensed weights, automatically adjusting motor parameters based on measured results. This eliminates the need for users to manually generate or update complex settings while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser performs automatic self-calibration by measuring its own dispensing performance and adjusting its control parameters accordingly. The system continuously learns and adapts to variations in its operating state without requiring user intervention to generate or update settings, making the precision adjustment process transparent and effortless for the user.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for calibrating a formula dispenser include depositing a manufacturer-prescribed amount of powder into a cavity of a marked container including level markings that correspond to formula calibration numbers. A level of the deposited powder in the cavity of the marked container is compared to the level markings on the marked container, and a formula calibration number is determined. A controller of the formula dispenser is configured to receive the formula calibration number and determine a formula recipe based on the formula calibration number. Powder is dispensed from a discharge outlet of the formula dispenser into the cavity of the marked container according to the formula recipe. A level of the dispensed powder in the marked container is compared to the level markings on the marked container to determine if the level of the dispensed powder corresponds to the formula calibration number inputted into the formula dispenser.