Internet-enabled beverage maker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current single serve beverage dispensers face challenges in producing cold beverages, including maintaining optimal serving temperature, preventing flavor contamination, achieving precise mixing ratios, and minimizing dispensing time and mess, especially with carbonated drinks.
Innovation Solution
A single serve cold beverage dispenser system that uses a disposable beverage pouch or cartridge with a mixing nozzle structure for post-mixing, a refrigeration unit for temperature control, and a telemetry system for precise water and concentrate mixing, along with a Wi-Fi connection for automated reordering and user tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a disposable beverage pouch or cartridge is used for cold beverages, then the beverage can be dispensed quickly, but the syrup may re-coagulate and contaminate the dispensing elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the syrup containment and dispensing function into a separate disposable pouch or cartridge system, isolating the syrup from the permanent dispensing elements. This allows the syrup to be delivered directly to the cup without contacting the dispensing mechanism, preventing contamination while maintaining quick dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mixing chamber or direct dispensing path that allows syrup to be transferred from the disposable pouch to the cup without contacting the permanent dispensing elements. This intermediary path prevents flavor contamination while enabling rapid dispensing of cold beverages.
2Quantity of substance
If concentrated sugary syrups are used in the disposable pouch, then cold beverage flavor can be achieved, but the syrups may re-coagulate and contaminate the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the syrup containment into a disposable pouch that can be discarded after use, eliminating the risk of syrup re-coagulation contaminating the permanent device. The high concentration syrup is contained and delivered without contacting the dispensing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable pouches or cartridges that are used once and then discarded, allowing high concentration syrups to be contained and dispensed without risk of contamination to the permanent device. The disposable nature ensures no re-coagulation contamination occurs.
3Ease of operation
If the beverage cartridge is at room temperature, then it is easier to handle, but the dispensed beverage will be at sub-optimal warm temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature control function from the beverage container. The cartridge remains at room temperature for easy handling, while the water in the dispenser is separately chilled. The mixing of room temperature syrup with chilled water achieves the optimal serving temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the water used for mixing, chilling it to a low temperature to compensate for the room temperature syrup. This allows the cartridge to remain easy to handle while the final beverage achieves optimal serving temperature through the temperature adjustment of the mixing water.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mixing occurs inside a brewing compartment, then hot drinks can be prepared, but cold carbonated beverages will excessively bubble and foam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mixing process from a enclosed brewing compartment and performs it either directly into the cup or in an open mixing chamber. This prevents carbonated beverages from excessively bubbling and foaming while maintaining the ability to prepare hot drinks using the same syrup dispensing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional brewing approach by dispensing the syrup first and then adding the water, rather than mixing in a compartment. This inversion prevents excessive bubbling and foaming of carbonated beverages while maintaining versatility for hot drink preparation.
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 system provides high-quality, optimally tempered cold beverages with precise mixing ratios, minimal contamination, and efficient dispensing, while maintaining user convenience and inventory management.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid refrigeration unit or a removable vessel that may be put into a refrigerator
Implementation Method 2
a system for carbonating said liquid; at least one sensor; a source of CO2
Data Source
AI summary
A home beverage dispensing device for dispensing servings of a beverage, having a vessel for holding a volume of liquid. This vessel may be equipped with a refrigeration unit, or may be comprised of a removable pitcher that may be put in an external refrigerator. This invention is equipped with a radio communications controller to provide for the ability to communicate over radio frequencies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. A special disposable beverage cartridge or beverage pouch fits into the holder. This cartridge or pouch may have pressure rupturable seals or diaphragms and contain beverage concentrate. The mixing structure also receives the optionally chilled liquid from vessel for holding a volume of liquid, and ensures that the concentrate mixes with the liquid without contacting the walls of the mixing structure.