Method for taking into use an exchangeable supply pack in a beverage dispensing machine and system comprising an exchangeable supply pack and computer program product
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage dispensing machines face damage risks during the initial operational mode due to heat generation from friction between moving parts when a new exchangeable supply pack is introduced, especially with liquids of varying hydraulic properties, as the liquid substance is not yet present to act as a coolant and lubricant.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that include a controller-driven activation procedure for the dosing pump, involving a repeating activation cycle with periods of activation and deactivation to moderate heat development, along with a broaching mechanism using a rotatable piercing element to facilitate liquid access, and detection facilities to ensure reliable liquid presence before normal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dosing pump is continuously activated during initial operation without liquid substance, then the liquid substance can be transported into the pump, but heat development from friction damages the dosing pump
Solution Approach 1:
The activation procedure implements periodic activation cycles where the dosing pump is activated for a first period of time to transport liquid substance, then deactivated for a second period of time to cool down. This periodic on-off operation prevents continuous heat accumulation from friction while ensuring liquid substance is transported into the pump chamber before normal operation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary activation procedures before normal operation to pre-fill the dosing pump chamber with liquid substance. This preliminary action ensures that the pump is properly lubricated and cooled before sustained operation, preventing damage from dry running during the critical initial phase.
2Reliability
If the dosing pump is activated frequently to transport liquid substance, then the pump fills with liquid for reliable operation, but friction between moving parts generates excessive heat
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic activation cycles with defined on and off periods. During the first period of time, the pump activates to transport liquid substance and fill the chamber. During the second period of time, the pump deactivates to allow cooling, reducing energy loss to friction heat while maintaining reliable liquid delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation procedure changes operational parameters by controlling the duration and frequency of pump activation. By adjusting the first and second period of time durations, the system optimizes the balance between liquid substance transport efficiency and heat generation, ensuring reliable operation while minimizing energy waste.
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
This approach effectively mitigates the risk of damage to the dosing pump by managing heat development and ensuring reliable liquid access, even with high-viscosity liquids, thereby extending the lifespan of the dispensing system.
Implementation Method 1
liquid substances accommodated in the container may be one of various kinds having mutually different hydraulic properties
Implementation Method 2
the liquid substance serves as a coolant for the pump
Implementation Method 3
heat being developed in the dosing pump resulting from a friction between the mutually moving parts
Implementation Method 4
additionally as lubricant between mutually moving parts
Implementation Method 5
heat being developed in the dosing pump resulting from a friction between the mutually moving parts
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A method for taking into use an exchangeable supply pack (20) in a beverage dispensing machine (10) is disclosed. The exchangeable supply pack comprising a dosing pump (22) and a container (24) with a liquid substance (25) to be supplied by the beverage dispensing machine. The method subsequently comprises detecting (S0) placement of the exchangeable supply pack and executing an activation procedure (AP). The activation procedure (AP) comprises repeating an activation cycle (AC) while detecting (S4) whether or not a liquid substance is present inside the dosing pump. The activation cycle (AC) comprises activating (S5) the dosing pump during a first period of time and at least partially deactivating (S6) the dosing pump during a second period of time. The activation procedure (AP) is completed when it is detected that liquid substance is present in the dosing pump. In addition a beverage dispensing system and a computer program product are disclosed herein.