Multi-Nozzle Beverage Dispenser With Indirect Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drink dispensers are not adapted for simultaneous dispensing to multiple users and often have cooling elements in direct contact with the drink, risking contamination and altering the taste.

Innovation Solution

A drink dispenser with a support base and a receptacle featuring angular nozzles and independent pouring levers for multiple users, along with a cooling element that is not in direct contact with the drink, using a cooling gel block between the support base and receptacle to maintain temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a cooling element is placed in direct contact with the drink, then cooling efficiency is improved, but contamination risk and taste alteration increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrink temperatureVSAvoidcontamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cooling element that is positioned in thermal contact with the drink receptacle wall rather than direct contact with the liquid. This intermediary approach allows heat transfer through the receptacle material, achieving cooling without contamination risk or taste alteration from the cooling element itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single dispensing point is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but simultaneous service to multiple users is not enabled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-user service capabilityVSAvoiddispensing mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single dispensing function into multiple independent dispensing points (nozzles) distributed around the receptacle. Each nozzle is equipped with its own valve and pouring lever, allowing simultaneous service to multiple users while keeping each individual dispensing mechanism relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional dispensing system where the same basic mechanism (nozzle, valve, lever assembly) serves multiple purposes and multiple users simultaneously. The rotating receptacle allows any of the multiple nozzles to be positioned for service, providing universal access to all users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the drink receptacle is fixed in position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but accessibility from multiple directions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-directional accessibilityVSAvoidreceptacle positioning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, fixed receptacle into a dynamic, rotatable component. The receptacle can rotate on its axis to bring different nozzles and portions of the drink supply accessible to users approaching from different directions, while the overall device structure remains relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 simultaneous dispensing to multiple users while maintaining drink temperature without contamination risks, ensuring the quality and safety of the beverage.

Implementation Method 1

a cooling element in the form of a block which is adapted to the shape of the inner part of the support base and of the lower part of the drink receptacle and filled of cooling gel which can freeze placed between the support base and the drink receptacle in order to keep this suitable cool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

When the pressure on the pouring lever stops, the corresponding sliding part and the respective valve are returned to their initial position by springs provided for said purpose

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2455326B1Improved, portable beverage-dispensing device for use by groups
Publication Date: 2013.06.05 BENAYAS PEREZ LUIS
  • EP2455326B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2455326B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2455326B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

The dispensing device (1) has a beverage receptacle (2) with holes (200) in the base thereof, said holes being stopped with valves (3); a supporting base (4) that supports the receptacle; serving mechanisms (5) for opening the valves; and a cooling element mounted between the receptacle and the stand. The base (20) of the receptacle has, within, a convex central portion (201) and a peripheral portion (202) with the emptying holes, and the outer part thereof has a concave central portion (203) and a peripheral zone (204) with housings (205) for mounting a respective valve. The stand has an upper portion (40) in which the receptacle fits, and supporting legs (41). The serving mechanisms (5) are mounted in the upper portion of the stand, operationally facing the respective valve. The cooling element (6) is designed to be fitted inside the upper portion of the stand, with the base of the receptacle located above said element.