Liquid Distributor Switching for Multi-Station Beverage Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage-preparation devices cannot simultaneously dispense liquid to multiple users, leading to inefficient filling of collecting reservoirs and potential interruptions in liquid supply, particularly when mixing with ingredients like instant coffee powder.
Innovation Solution
A control unit manages the dispensing line to alternately fill two collecting reservoirs within a dispensing period, ensuring steady liquid supply to multiple users by varying the frequency and diameter of the dispensing line, and optionally using a pump or valve for precise metering and continuous flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single dispensing line is used to supply liquid to multiple collecting reservoirs successively, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases because simultaneous dispensing to multiple users is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing a cyclic switching mechanism where the single dispensing line alternates between multiple collecting reservoirs in a predetermined sequence. The control unit manages this periodic switching to ensure each reservoir receives liquid at appropriate intervals, enabling simultaneous availability of liquid to multiple users through rapid alternation, thus maintaining low device complexity while improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the connection between the dispensing line and collecting reservoirs dynamically switchable rather than statically fixed. The system dynamically reconfigures which reservoir is connected to the dispensing line at any given moment, allowing flexible allocation of liquid supply to different users based on demand, thereby enabling simultaneous service to multiple users with a single dispensing line
2Ease of operation
If the dispensing line switches between collecting reservoirs at low frequency, then the device operation is simple, but the liquid supply becomes pulsed and may become empty, affecting reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a control unit that monitors the liquid levels and flow status in the collecting reservoirs and adjusts the switching frequency and timing accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that reservoirs are filled at optimal intervals to maintain continuous liquid availability, preventing empty conditions while managing the switching operation simply through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by optimizing the switching frequency and reservoir positioning to ensure that liquid flow to users remains continuous rather than pulsed. The system coordinates the dispensing line switching with the liquid flow characteristics to maintain steady supply, and positions reservoirs to allow continuous filling during the switching cycle, thereby ensuring reliable continuous liquid availability
3Speed
If the dispensing line diameter is increased to increase flow rate, then the liquid supply speed improves, but the device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the diameter of the dispensing line at different locations rather than using a uniformly large diameter throughout. The dispensing line has different diameter sections optimized for specific functions: larger diameter where high flow is needed and smaller diameter where adequate flow is sufficient, thereby achieving high liquid supply speed where required while minimizing overall device complexity and material usage
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a beverage-preparation device (1, 40) provided with a storage container (2) for liquid, a dispensing (4, 43) line connected to the storage container (2), at least two beverage-dispensing stations (6, 7, 9) each provided with a collecting reservoir (11, 12, 18, 41, 42), which collecting reservoirs are movable with respect to the dispensing line, a driving device (5, 21, 22) which engages with the dispensing line and/or the collecting reservoirs for displacing the dispensing line with respect to the collecting reservoirs in order to selectively bring the collecting reservoirs into liquid communication with the dispensing line and a control unit for controlling the driving device, characterized in that, within a dispensing period Td, the control unit brings the dispensing line into liquid communication with a first collecting reservoir in order to dispense a predetermined amount of liquid to each collecting reservoir, then with a second collecting reservoir and after that again with the first reservoir.