Movable Valve Activation Device for Multi-Source Beverage Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional post-mix beverage dispensing systems have a one-to-one relationship between actuation valves and fluid sources, leading to higher costs and increased space requirements for fluid management and electronic controls.

Innovation Solution

A movable valve activation device is used in a beverage dispensing system that can be indexed to dispense diluent, brand concentrate, or flavor concentrate from multiple flow regulators, with software directing the valve's position based on user input, allowing for a single activation method to control multiple fluid sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a one-to-one relationship between actuation valves and fluid sources is used, then each fluid source can be controlled independently, but the cost for fluid management and electronic controls increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent fluid source controlVSAvoidcost for fluid management and electronic controls

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single movable valve activation device is designed to serve multiple fluid sources by moving between different positions. The device includes a valve body with multiple outlets and a movable closure element that can block different outlets based on its position, allowing one activation device to control multiple fluid sources instead of requiring separate devices for each

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a one-to-one relationship between actuation valves and fluid sources is used, then each fluid source can be controlled independently, but the space requirement on beverage dispensing equipment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent fluid source controlVSAvoidspace requirement on beverage dispensing equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple valve functions are merged into a single activation device. The valve body contains multiple outlets and a movable closure element that integrates the functionality of what would traditionally require separate valves. This consolidation reduces the overall space required while maintaining the ability to independently control each fluid source through the movement of the single closure element

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If multiple solenoids and activation devices are used for each fluid source, then precise control of each fluid source is achieved, but the number of components and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecise control of each fluid sourceVSAvoidnumber of solenoids and activation devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single activation device with a movable closure element is designed to replace multiple solenoids and activation devices. The closure element can be positioned to block different outlets of the valve body, providing precise control over which fluid source is active. This universal device maintains operational precision while significantly reducing the total number of components required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10399840B2Beverage dispensing valve system

Publication Date: 2019.09.03 PEPSICO INC

AI summary

A post-mix beverage dispenser utilizing a beverage dispensing valve including a movable valve activation device is provided. The beverage dispensing valve can move the valve activation device to a predetermined activation position to dispense a fluid in response to a control signal.