Height-Adjustable Beverage Vessel Support with Multi-Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing machines face challenges in accurately positioning and sensing beverage vessels of varying heights, leading to issues with spillage, waste, and inconsistent dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A height-adjustable beverage vessel support apparatus with multiple detectors (rim detector and vessel detectors) at different vertical positions, allowing for precise detection and positioning of vessels across a wide range of heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single beverage vessel detector is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of vessel presence and positioning is insufficient for height-adjustable supports
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented into multiple detectors positioned at different vertical levels. The first detector monitors the lower region, the second detector monitors the upper region, and the third detector monitors the rim region. This segmentation allows each detector to independently monitor specific zones, improving overall measurement precision without requiring a single complex detector
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system transitions from a single-point detection to multi-dimensional detection by arranging detectors at different vertical positions. This spatial distribution across the vertical dimension enables comprehensive monitoring of the beverage vessel from base to rim, accurately detecting presence and positioning throughout the height-adjustable range
2Adaptability or versatility
If the beverage vessel support covers a large range of heights, then the adaptability to different vessel sizes is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring vessel position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical detection space is segmented into multiple zones corresponding to different vessel height ranges. Each detector is responsible for a specific zone, allowing the system to maintain accurate detection across the full height range by activating appropriate detectors based on vessel presence in each zone
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple detectors act as intermediaries that relay information about vessel presence in different vertical zones. The controller synthesizes signals from these intermediary detectors to determine overall vessel positioning, making the detection process manageable across large height variations
3Loss of substance
If the beverage vessel support is positioned close to the dispensing outlet, then the loss of beverage through spillage is reduced, but the risk of harmful factors to the user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system provides continuous feedback about vessel presence and positioning to the controller. This feedback mechanism ensures that dispensing only occurs when a vessel is properly positioned and detected, preventing beverage spillage while maintaining safety through automated verification before the dispensing 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 enables efficient and accurate dispensing by ensuring the vessel rim is optimally positioned relative to the dispensing outlet, reducing spillage and accommodating a broad range of vessel sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a beverage vessel rim detector arranged at a first vertical position and configured to determine whether an uppermost part of a beverage vessel supported by the beverage vessel support is at an appropriate position
Implementation Method 2
One or more of the detectors may be optical detectors. One or more of the detectors may be beam-break detectors, such as infrared light-level detectors having an emitter and receiver.
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage vessel support apparatus including a movable support member configured for supporting a beverage vessel at a plurality of different support positions. An actuation assembly may adjust a height of the movable support member. A beverage vessel rim detector may be configured to determine whether an uppermost part of a beverage vessel supported by the movable support member is at an appropriate position for a beverage to be dispensed into the beverage vessel. A first beverage vessel detector may be positioned below the beverage vessel rim detector and configured to determine whether a beverage vessel is present on the movable support member. A second beverage vessel detector may be arranged between the beverage vessel rim detector and the first beverage vessel detector and configured to determine whether a beverage vessel is present on the movable support member.