Modular Actuator Component for Automated Beverage Dispensing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid beverage dispensing systems, such as coffee and beer dispensing systems, lack automation and precise control over the dispensing process, leading to inaccuracies in measuring and tracking the amount of beverage dispensed, which hinders inventory management and cost accounting.
Innovation Solution
A modular component for beverage dispensing systems that includes a communication interface and controller, a beverage faucet with an actuator and valve, allowing for electronic control of the dispensing process, enabling accurate measurement and automation of the dispensing of liquid beverages, and can be retrofitted into existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual valve control is used in existing beverage dispensing systems, then the system structure remains simple, but the dispensing accuracy and measurement precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical valve control with an automated actuator system that includes an actuator, valve, and communication interface. The actuator electronically controls the valve to open and close, enabling precise measurement and control of beverage dispensing amounts through electronic communication with a controller, thereby improving dispensing accuracy while maintaining system simplicity through modular retrofit design.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated actuator system enables self-service operation where the dispensing process is automatically controlled and measured without manual intervention. The system autonomously tracks and records the amount of beverage dispensed, eliminating the need for manual measurement and tracking by operators.
2Extent of automation
If manual beverage faucet control is used, then the device complexity remains low, but the extent of automation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical faucet operation with an automated actuator system. The actuator receives electronic control signals and automatically operates the valve to dispense beverages, transforming a manual mechanical system into an automated electromechanical system while maintaining compatibility with existing dispensing infrastructure through modular retrofit design.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular actuator component is designed to be retrofitted onto existing beverage dispensing systems, making the automation solution universally applicable to various dispensing configurations. The communication interface and controller can integrate with different system types, enabling one automated component to serve multiple dispensing scenarios.
3Productivity
If conventional manual faucets are used, then the system is easy to operate, but productivity and measurement accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The automated actuator system performs dispensing operations autonomously based on electronic control signals, eliminating the need for manual valve manipulation. The system automatically measures and records dispensing amounts, enabling operators to focus on customer service while the system handles precise measurement and tracking, thereby improving overall productivity without significantly increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface and controller provide real-time feedback on dispensing operations and amounts. This feedback mechanism enables accurate tracking of beverage dispensing for inventory management and cost accounting, improving productivity through automated data collection while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive control interfaces.
4Loss of information
If manual control systems are used, then the device complexity remains low, but the loss of information regarding dispensing details increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interface and controller continuously monitor and record dispensing operations, automatically capturing data on beverage amounts dispensed, timing, and operational details. This feedback system eliminates information loss by providing real-time digital tracking of all dispensing events, enabling accurate inventory management and cost accounting without requiring complex manual recording systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual tracking and recording methods with electronic data collection and communication systems. The actuator and controller automatically generate and transmit dispensing data, transforming physical manual operations into digital information that can be easily stored, analyzed, and reported, thereby reducing information loss while keeping the monitoring system relatively simple through modular integration.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a liquid beverage dispensing apparatus and specifically a modular component for installation on and use in conjunction with the liquid beverage dispensing system. The modular component includes a communication interface and controller, an actuator for a valve, for use with a beverage faucet that dispenses the liquid beverage. The actuator is in electronic communication with the communication interface and controller and is responsive to direction received from the communication interface and controller to open or close the valve. The modular component is sized, dimensioned, and configured to be retrofitted to an existing beverage dispensing system to replace an existing conventional manual beverage faucet, or as a newly manufactured system.