Multi-Flavor Mechanical Dispensing Valve Retrofit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-station beverage dispensers require new machines to add additional flavors, as each station can only dispense a single flavor, limiting user options without the need for a new assembly.

Innovation Solution

A multi-flavor head retrofit for existing single-flavor dispenser heads, incorporating a dispensing valve assembly with primary and supplemental circuit pathways for pressurized syrup and water, allowing for multiple flavor options through mechanical flow control and pushbutton operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a new machine with additional stations is provided to add flavors, then the number of flavor options is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflavor optionsVSAvoidmachine structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single dispensing head to handle multiple flavors through a multi-circuit valve assembly. The valve assembly includes primary circuits for base flavors and supplemental circuits for additional flavors, allowing one head to perform the function of multiple single-flavor heads. This resolves the contradiction by providing multiple flavor options without requiring additional stations or increasing overall machine complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a retrofit valve assembly is implemented to add flavors to existing heads, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflavor expansionVSAvoidvalve assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the valve assembly into distinct primary circuits and supplemental circuits. Each circuit has dedicated pathways for specific flavors, with independent flow control elements. This modular segmentation allows the complex multi-flavor capability to be organized into manageable sections that can be retrofitted to existing single-flavor heads, addressing the adaptability improvement while managing the inherent complexity through structured organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the nesting principle by integrating the supplemental circuits within the existing valve assembly structure of single-flavor heads. The multi-circuit valve assembly nests additional flavor pathways and flow control elements within the original head's housing and valve body, allowing flavor expansion without requiring complete replacement of the entire dispensing head. This nesting approach improves adaptability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple syrup sources are connected to the valve, then the flavor variety is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflavor varietyVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing dedicated flow control elements and circuit pathways for each flavor source. Each syrup circuit has its own flow control valve and dedicated pathway, allowing independent control and simplifying the connection to multiple syrup sources. This localized approach to quality control makes the assembly process more manageable, as each flavor circuit can be independently configured and tested, thereby reducing the overall manufacturing complexity despite the increased flavor variety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 the expansion of existing beverage dispensing machines to offer multiple flavors without replacing the entire unit, providing users with increased drink options while maintaining the appearance and functionality of the original machine.

Implementation Method 1

Flow control elements in the valve engage the circuits to control the rate of flow of fluid therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

A post-mix valve assembly mixes a syrup from a circuit pathway with the pressurized water from the primary circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid mixing:

Data Source

PatentUS9085451B2Multi-flavor mechanical dispensing valve for a single flavor multi-head beverage dispenser

Publication Date: 2015.07.21 TAPRITE MICRO MATIC INC

AI summary

For retrofitting to a backblock of an existing multi-head, multi-backblock beverage dispensing machine, Applicant provides a valve having, in one embodiment, walls adapted to fluidly engage a backblock. A primary circuit has a pair of primary circuit pathways adapted to receive pressurized syrup and pressurized water from the backblock. The valve provides a multiplicity of supplemental circuit pathways adapted to receive (typically not from a backblock) a multiplicity of different syrups from a multiplicity of different pressurized syrup sources. Flow control elements in the valve engage the circuits to control the rate of flow of fluid therethrough. Operator pushbutton controlled valved chambers open and close the circuit pathways. A post-mix valve assembly mixes a syrup from a circuit pathway with the pressurized water from the primary circuit.