Modular Beverage Dispensing System with Universal Pressure Housing Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beverage dispensing systems lack flexibility, requiring users to choose between disposable and cleanable dispensing lines, limiting adaptability to varying beverage demand and usage scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A modular beverage dispensing system that allows for easy conversion between disposable and fixed dispensing lines, utilizing a pressure housing with interchangeable connectors and beverage containers, enabling the same system to handle both types with minimal conversion time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a disposable tapping line and tapping valve are used, then hygiene is maintained and cleaning costs are eliminated, but the system complexity and operational time increase due to frequent replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure housing is designed with a universal connector interface that can accommodate both disposable containers with integrated tapping lines and reusable containers with external tapping lines. This multi-functionality allows the same housing to support both disposable and cleanable configurations, eliminating the need for separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the pressure housing (reusable) from the tapping line and valve components (disposable or cleanable). This segmentation allows the housing to remain while only the potentially contaminated components are replaced or cleaned, reducing overall system complexity and maintenance burden.
2Loss of time
If a fixed tapping line and tapping valve are used, then operational time is reduced and system complexity is lowered, but hygiene maintenance becomes difficult and cleaning costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tapping line and valve are extracted as separate, removable components from the pressure housing. This allows them to be easily removed for cleaning or replacement without affecting the housing or the container, enabling quick hygiene maintenance while maintaining a fixed housing structure that reduces operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector interface is designed to dynamically switch between accommodating disposable containers with integrated lines and reusable containers with external lines. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize for either hygiene (disposable mode) or operational efficiency (fixed line mode) based on usage requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pressure housing is designed for both disposable and fixed line configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to interchangeable connectors
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal connector design accommodates both disposable and reusable configurations through standardized interface features. The connector includes a through-going hole for disposable lines and mounting threads for fixed lines, allowing one component to perform multiple functions without requiring separate specialized connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector integrates multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the sealing interface for the container and the mounting point for either disposable or fixed tapping lines. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining adaptability to different configurations.
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 modular system streamlines production and operation by allowing the same components to be used for both disposable and fixed lines, optimizing cleaning efficiency and reducing costs, while accommodating different usage scenarios and beverage demands.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure medium acting on the beverage container to compress the beverage contained in the beverage container and to force the beverage through the beverage outlet
Implementation Method 2
both beverage containers having a closure for closing off the beverage outlet and for sealing against a sealing element of the pressure chamber or one of the pair of connectors
Data Source
AI summary
Beverage dispensing system comprising a pressure housing comprising a first housing part 12, 12′ having a connector aperture 22, and a second housing part 14, 14′. The system further comprises a pair of connectors 24, 24′ connectable to the connector aperture in a pressure-tight sealing connection. The pair of connectors 24, 24′ comprises a first connector 24 having a through-going hole for allowing guiding a first tapping line 20 through the through-going hole and a second connector 24′ being connectable to a second tapping line. The system further comprises a pair of beverage containers 16, 16′, both accommodating a carbonated beverage and having a beverage outlet. A first beverage container 16 of the pair of beverage containers comprises the first tapping line 20 communicating with the beverage outlet. A second beverage container 16′ of the pair of beverage containers has an openable seal for establishing connection from the beverage outlet to the second connector 24′. The system further comprises a pressure inlet.