Multi-Point Beverage Dispensing to Bypass Foam Wait Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated beverage dispensing systems face reduced throughput due to the need for topping-off after initial pouring, especially with foaming beverages, which requires waiting for foam to subside.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize multiple dispensing points to partially fill a vessel at one point and complete filling at another, with a conveyor system to move vessels between points, minimizing wait times for foam subsidence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single dispensing point is used to fill a vessel, then the system structure is simple, but the dispensing throughput is reduced due to waiting time for foam subsidence
Solution Approach 1:
The single dispensing process is segmented into two separate dispensing points: a first dispensing point that performs the initial pour, and a second dispensing point that performs the top-off. This segmentation allows the initial pour and top-off operations to occur in parallel at different locations, eliminating the need to wait for foam subsidence at one location before completing the dispense, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-location (one-dimensional) dispensing process to a multi-location (spatial dimension) process. By distributing dispensing operations across multiple spatial points connected by a conveyor system, the patent adds a spatial dimension to the dispensing process, allowing simultaneous operations that increase throughput without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
2Productivity
If multiple dispensing points are used to increase throughput, then dispensing speed improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each dispensing point is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both initial pour and top-off operations. This universality means that the system can flexibly assign different functions to different dispensing points based on operational needs, reducing the need for specialized equipment at each location and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high throughput
Solution Approach 2:
A conveyor system acts as an intermediary between the first and second dispensing points, automatically transporting vessels between locations. This intermediary mechanism coordinates the multi-point dispensing process, managing the complexity of synchronizing multiple operations while enabling the throughput benefits of parallel processing
3Loss of time
If the initial pour time is extended to reduce topping-off frequency, then fewer topping-off operations are needed, but the time for foam subsidence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary initial pour at the first dispensing point that intentionally leaves room for top-off, rather than attempting to complete the full dispense in one action. This preliminary action is optimized to minimize foam generation while ensuring the vessel is sufficiently filled, reducing the subsequent waiting time for foam subsidence while maintaining efficient overall dispense time
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing system (10) and related methods are provided in which a cup (22) is partially filled with a beverage at a first dispensing point (14a), and the cup is topped-off at a second dispensing point (14b).