Liquid Pump Dispenser With Adjustable Stop For Measured Liquor Volume

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current liquor pourers lack the ability to provide a consistent and precise measurement of liquor, leading to inconsistencies in cocktail preparation, which can result in customer dissatisfaction and reduced profit margins due to over- or under-dispensing.

Innovation Solution

A liquid dispensing apparatus with a pumping mechanism, including a central body, liquid reservoir, draw tube, and adjustable pump shaft, designed to dispense a measured amount of liquor, specifically 0.5 to 2.0 US fluid ounces per operation, with interchangeable components for compatibility with various bottle sizes and customizable dispensing amounts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional liquor pourers or shot glasses are used for dispensing, then the device complexity is low and ease of operation is high, but the measurement precision and consistency of liquor dispensing deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquor measurement precisionVSAvoiddispensing device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump assembly is divided into separate interchangeable components including the pump body, pump shaft, seal assembly, and bottle cap assembly. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing and assembly while maintaining precise dispensing measurements through standardized internal pump chamber dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pump shaft incorporates an adjustable stop mechanism that can be positioned at different heights to control the dispensing volume. By changing the stop position parameter, the same pump body can dispense different precise volumes (e.g., 1 oz, 1.5 oz, 2 oz), maintaining measurement precision while adapting to various cocktail recipes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If adjustable pump shaft with stop mechanism is used to control dispensing amount, then the measurement precision improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispensed amount precisionVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pump shaft stop is pre-adjusted to the required height before use, and the pump assembly is pre-filled with liquor. The bartender simply needs to press the pump button a predetermined number of times to dispense the exact required amount, eliminating the need for manual measurement during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pump mechanism automatically dispenses the precise amount of liquor determined by the stop position without requiring the operator to measure or calculate. The mechanical stop self-regulates the dispensing volume, making the system self-correcting and easy to use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If generic one-size-fits-all liquor pourers are used, then the adaptability to different bottle types improves, but the measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebottle compatibilityVSAvoidliquor dispensing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pump assembly is designed with a universal bottle cap assembly that can accommodate different bottle sizes and shapes through adjustable sealing mechanisms. The same pump body can be used with various bottles while maintaining precise dispensing measurements through its controlled internal pump chamber and valve system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The pump assembly acts as an intermediary device between the liquor bottle and the dispensing point. It decouples the bottle characteristics from the dispensing precision by using a standardized pump chamber that measures and dispenses accurate volumes regardless of the source bottle's variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If manual eyeballing or improper shot glass filling is used, then the ease of operation is high, but the loss of substance through spillage and inconsistency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispensing simplicityVSAvoidliquor spillage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The pump mechanism automatically controls the liquor flow and dispensing amount through its internal valve and stop mechanism. The system self-regulates to prevent overfilling and spillage, eliminating the need for the operator to judge when to stop pouring, thus preventing liquor loss while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Ensures consistent and accurate liquor dispensing, enhancing customer satisfaction and profit margins by providing a precise measurement of liquor, while allowing for customization and branding opportunities through interchangeable parts.

Implementation Method 1

A liquid pump dispenser having a central body member, a liquid reservoir within the central body member, a pump shaft, and a pump top connected to an upper end of the pump shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping mechanism: Pump

Data Source

PatentUS9561518B1Liquid pump dispenser
Publication Date: 2017.02.07 DRONK
  • US9561518B1 patent drawing
  • US9561518B1 patent drawing
  • US9561518B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A liquid dispenser having a pumping mechanism for consistent and measured dispensing of an alcoholic liquid into a standard “shot” glass. Specifically, in one aspect of the invention, a liquid dispenser is provided having a central body member, a liquid reservoir within the central body member, and a draw tube associated with the liquid reservoir. The liquid dispenser further includes a pump shaft and a pump top connected to an upper end of the pump shaft. In addition, the dispenser is configured to couple to a vessel having a liquid in order to dispense the liquid in a measured and consistent manner in a “shot” glass, wherein the liquid can be an alcoholic beverage.