Modular Flow Monitoring for Precise Beverage Additive Dosing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive delivery systems for beverages lack enhanced user interface and dosage monitoring features to support real-time nutritional needs and well-being, particularly during physical activities, and fail to provide tailored recommendations based on various user inputs.
Innovation Solution
A modular flow monitoring package (MFMP) that includes a flow rate monitoring device, user actuator position sensors, a visual display, and inductive charging, which communicates with external devices to provide real-time dosage recommendations and monitoring, integrating with smartphones and fitness trackers to adjust additive flow based on user data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flow rate monitoring device and sensor system are integrated into the additive delivery system, then dosage monitoring precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow rate monitoring device is integrated within the housing of the additive delivery system, with the turbine and Hall effect sensor nested inside the flow path structure. The circuit board with supporting circuitry is mounted within the housing, creating a compact nested arrangement that provides precise flow monitoring without proportionally increasing external device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow rate monitoring function is merged with the additive delivery system by integrating the turbine, Hall effect sensor, and circuitry into a single unified package. The magnetic turbine both drives the additive flow control and generates flow rate measurement data, combining measurement and control functions in one integrated component.
2Ease of operation
If user actuator position sensors and visual display are added to the system, then user interface capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator position sensor automatically detects the position of the user actuator without requiring manual input or calibration. The visual display automatically presents dosage information and recommendations based on sensor data, eliminating the need for manual interface configuration and reducing the operational burden on users despite adding interface components.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator position sensor provides real-time feedback on user input position to the control system, which then adjusts the additive flow rate accordingly. The visual display provides feedback to users about current dosage levels and recommendations, creating a closed-loop interface that improves ease of operation through automatic response to user actions.
3Duration of action of moving object
If inductive charging circuit and power supply are integrated into the cartridge structure, then system autonomy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive charging circuit is designed to work with any cartridge containing a compatible power supply, creating a universal charging interface. The coil can be implemented as either an air core wound wire or a printed circuit coil, providing manufacturing flexibility while maintaining the same charging function across different cartridge designs and power supply configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive charging system replaces mechanical electrical contacts with a contactless electromagnetic coupling system. The coil generates an alternating magnetic field that induces current in the cartridge power supply without physical connection, eliminating wear and contamination issues associated with mechanical contacts while simplifying the charging interface structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system integrates with external devices like smartphones and fitness trackers, then adaptability to user needs is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the additive delivery hardware and external devices like smartphones and fitness trackers. It receives data from external devices, processes it according to user profiles and real-time sensor data, and translates it into appropriate additive dosing commands, enabling complex adaptability through a manageable interface layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts additive dosing based on real-time data from external devices and user physiological state. User profiles stored in memory are dynamically updated based on activity level, hydration status, and other variables, allowing the system to adapt to changing user needs while maintaining a consistent hardware architecture.
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
Enables precise monitoring and adjustment of additive dosage, providing users with tailored recommendations for optimal hydration and electrolyte levels during physical activities, enhancing performance and overall nutritional well-being.
Implementation Method 1
A flow rate monitoring device is provided for sensing flow in the tube and may comprise a magnetic turbine, which cooperates with a Hall effect sensor
Implementation Method 2
An internal power supply and an inductive charging circuit may be incorporated into the MFMP. The inductive charging circuit may include a wire coil extending within or just inside an outer wall of the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular flow monitoring package (MFMP) is provided for use in an additive delivery system. The MFMP may be manufactured as an add-on to be added to an existing additive delivery system, or may be incorporated into a cartridge or container structure. The MFMP includes a flow sensor for sensing flow of a base fluid and user actuator position sensors for sensing the position of one or more user actuated additive flow adjustment levers. A visual display, which may comprise an array of multi-color LED's may convey information to a user that is relevant to a user's use of the additive delivery system or the user's nutritional needs. Such information may include a current dosage of additive, being delivered, whether a recommended dosage of additive has been consumed, remaining life of a cartridge or supply of additive, and other data relative to health or performance monitoring.