Method and apparatus for printing on a drink
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drink-printing systems lack the ability to accurately distinguish between different types of beverages, such as coffee and beer, and their variations, leading to potential misprinting of images on the wrong type of drink.
Innovation Solution
A drink-printing system equipped with sensors, such as color sensors, cameras, and spectrometers, that analyze the properties of a drink to determine its type and dynamically select the appropriate ink reservoir for printing, ensuring that images are printed on the correct beverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single ink reservoir is used for printing on all drink types, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to distinguish between different drink types
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between different ink reservoirs based on real-time drink type detection. The inkjet printing device transitions from a static single-reservoir configuration to a dynamic multi-reservoir selection system, where the appropriate ink reservoir is chosen based on sensor analysis of the drink's properties, thereby achieving both complexity management and printing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The ink delivery system is segmented into multiple independent ink reservoirs, each potentially containing ink suitable for different drink types. This segmentation allows the system to selectively activate only the relevant reservoir based on drink type, reducing the practical complexity while maintaining the capability for precise printing on different beverage surfaces
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to accurately distinguish between different drink types, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed with multi-functionality, where sensors can detect multiple drink properties (color, temperature, composition) simultaneously. This universal sensor approach allows accurate differentiation between various drink types without requiring separate dedicated sensors for each property, thereby improving measurement precision while controlling device complexity through consolidated sensor design
3Reliability
If the inkjet printer dynamically selects colorant reservoirs based on sensor output, then the reliability of printing on the correct drink type is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback loop where sensors continuously monitor drink properties and provide real-time data to the control circuitry. The control circuitry processes this feedback information and dynamically adjusts ink reservoir selection accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable printing on the correct drink type while managing complexity through automated decision-making algorithms
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 effectively prevents misprinting by accurately identifying the type of drink and selecting the correct ink, ensuring that images are printed on the intended beverage, enhancing the precision and reliability of drink customization.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensor(s) for sensing property-data of a current drink that is currently at the target location
Implementation Method 2
A drink-printing system equipped with sensors, such as color sensors, cameras, and spectrometers, that analyze the properties of a drink
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device of providing a customized drink and/or printing on a drink.