Systems and methods for dispensing fluid mixtures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional beverage dispensing systems require significant storage space due to the need for multiple basic beverage components, which often need refrigeration, and lack customization options for users, limiting flavor choices to preordained combinations.
Innovation Solution
An automated fluid mixture dispensing system that uses a combination of ingredient reservoirs, a solvent reservoir, mixing channels, and a controller to create customized fluid mixtures based on predefined chemical recipes, allowing for precise control of ingredient and solvent amounts, and temperature adjustments, enabling the preparation of various beverages, cleaning products, and cosmetic compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional beverage dispensing systems use basic beverage components (concentrates or syrups), then the system can dispense beverages, but the storage space requirements increase significantly and refrigeration is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the basic beverage components into multiple individual chemical ingredient reservoirs. Instead of storing a single concentrate that contains all flavors, the system stores separate reservoirs for individual chemical ingredients (e.g., ethanol, flavor compounds, colorants). This segmentation reduces the total storage volume needed while enabling flexible customization of beverage formulations by selecting and combining different ingredients as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of ingredient quantity precision by using highly accurate dispensing mechanisms that can measure and dispense very small volumes (less than 0.1 mL) of individual chemical ingredients. This allows the system to achieve flavor customization without needing large storage capacities, as precise dosing of small amounts of concentrated ingredients replaces the need for large volumes of pre-mixed concentrates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple basic beverage components are stored for different beverages, then various beverages can be dispensed, but the system footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal dispensing system where a single set of chemical ingredient reservoirs and dispensing mechanisms can create multiple different beverage types. Instead of having separate storage systems for each beverage type, the system uses a universal platform that can combine different ingredients in various proportions to produce wines, spirits, cocktails, and other beverages, thereby reducing the overall system footprint while maintaining beverage variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves beverage variety by changing the parameters of ingredient selection and dosage rather than by physically storing separate components for each beverage. The controller adjusts the type and amount of each chemical ingredient dispensed based on the selected beverage recipe, allowing one physical system to generate multiple beverage varieties through parameter variation.
3Ease of manufacture
If concentrates or syrups are used for beverage preparation, then beverages can be made, but storage space and refrigeration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of the stored ingredients. Instead of storing diluted concentrates or syrups that require large storage volumes, the system stores highly concentrated chemical ingredients that can be precisely dosed in small amounts (less than 0.1 mL). This concentration parameter change dramatically reduces storage volume while maintaining the ability to prepare beverages through controlled dilution and mixing during dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical storage of large-volume concentrates with an automated dispensing mechanism that uses precision metering (via pumps, valves, or microfluidic devices) to deliver exact amounts of concentrated ingredients. This substitution of mechanical storage with automated precision dosing enables the use of highly concentrated ingredients without requiring large storage spaces.
4Ease of operation
If preordained flavor combinations are used, then the system is simpler to operate, but user customization options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the ingredient combination and ratios can be adjusted in real-time based on user selection. The controller dynamically selects which chemical ingredient reservoirs to activate and adjusts the dispensing quantities according to the desired beverage type and user preferences. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain ease of operation through automated control while providing extensive flavor customization options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables flavor customization by allowing users to change parameters such as the type of chemical ingredients selected, the proportions of each ingredient, and the final beverage volume. The controller processes these parameter changes and automatically adjusts the dispensing operation, maintaining ease of operation while achieving high levels of customization.
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 system significantly reduces storage requirements by using small quantities of ingredients and solvents, offering high levels of customization and efficiency in producing a wide range of fluid mixtures, from beverages to cosmetics, while maintaining precise control over properties like taste and composition.
Implementation Method 1
a pump, such as a motor-operated or a pressure-operated pump
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
a carbonator
Implementation Method 4
a dissolution chamber
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments of a fluid dispensing system: (1) two or more mixing channels are fluidly connected to (a) a mixing chamber fluidly connected to a dispenser, (b) a particular two or more solvent reservoirs, and (c) a respective one or more ingredient reservoirs, wherein each of the ingredient reservoirs is configured to dispense into a respective one of the mixing channels; and (2) a controller is programmed to receive a request for a fluid mixture, and, in response control the system to: mix, in the mixing channels to form an intermediate fluid mixture, a respective predetermined amount of solvent from each of the particular solvent reservoirs and a respective predetermined amount of the ingredients from some of the ingredient reservoirs; flow, to the mixing chamber and then to the dispenser, the intermediate fluid mixture; and dispense the requested fluid mixture (including the intermediate fluid mixture) via the dispenser.