Magnetic Beverage Dispenser Knob With Haptic Rotary Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional beverage dispenser controls, such as push buttons and capacitive/resistive touch sensors, face issues with durability, hygiene, and water resistance, making them impractical for long-term use in beverage taps and dispensers.
Innovation Solution
A control knob system combining a selection ring with a touch button, where the selection ring has finite rotary positions providing haptic feedback and is integrated with a control unit using magnets for electronic signal conversion, and a touch button made of stainless steel or brass for enhanced durability and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If push buttons are used for control, then the beverage dispenser can be operated, but the moving parts are prone to wear and tear resulting in shorter lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical push buttons with capacitive or resistive touch sensors that have no moving parts. The touch sensor detects user input through electrical field changes or resistance changes when touched, eliminating mechanical wear and significantly extending the operational lifespan of the beverage dispenser control mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If push buttons with gaps are used, then the control function is achieved, but the gaps accumulate grime and are difficult to clean becoming a source of bacterial contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical push buttons with flat touch sensor surfaces that have no gaps or crevices. The smooth, continuous surface prevents grime accumulation and bacterial growth, making the control area easy to clean and sanitize while maintaining full control functionality.
3Reliability
If capacitive and resistive touch sensors are used, then the durability is improved, but even a small amount of water may render them unresponsive and dirt or stains can impair their effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a hydrophobic or oleophobic coating to the touch sensor surface, creating a protective film that repels water and prevents dirt adhesion. This coating allows the touch sensor to remain responsive even when exposed to moisture or stains, maintaining durability and reliability in beverage dispenser environments.
4Reliability
If metallic materials are used for the exterior of controls, then the physicochemical and sanitary properties are favourable, but the controls may be less responsive to touch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines metallic base material with a transparent conductive coating or overlay on the touch sensor surface. The metallic material provides excellent sanitary properties and durability, while the transparent conductive layer maintains touch sensor responsiveness by allowing electrical field detection through the metallic surface.
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 offers a durable, hygienic, and aesthetically pleasing control mechanism that is resistant to wear and tear, easy to clean, and provides clear visual feedback, suitable for a wide range of beverage dispensers and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a first set of magnets arranged about the central axis and rotating with the selection ring; a second set of magnets arranged about the central axis and remaining stationary, such that rotating the selection ring yields changes in the interaction forces between the rotating first set of magnets and the stationary second set of magnets
Implementation Method 2
a convertor for converting said interaction forces to an electronic signal
Implementation Method 3
a touch button integrated with a portion of the control knob housing such that the touch button is responsive to a mechanical force applied on said portion
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5
AI summary
In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a control knob (32) for a beverage dispenser, comprising: (i) a control knob (32) housing comprising a selection ring (321) rotatable around a central axis (332); (ii) a first set of magnets (324) arranged about the central axis (332) and rotating with the selection ring (321); (iii) a second set of magnets (325) arranged about the central axis (332) and remaining stationary, such that rotating the selection ring (321) yields changes in the interaction forces between the rotating first set of magnets (324) and the stationary second set of magnets (325); (iv) a convertor for converting said interaction forces to an electronic signal; and (v) a touch button (322) integrated with a portion (328) of the control knob housing such that the touch button (322) is responsive to a mechanical force applied on said portion.