Optic Sensor for Syrup Line Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In syrup dispensing systems, empty containers can go unnoticed, leading to the dispensing of carbonated water instead of soft drinks, resulting in downtime and unnecessary CO2 tank depletion as operators only realize the issue after the line has run dry.

Innovation Solution

The integration of optic sensors in the syrup transmission lines connected to signal indicators provides real-time notification when a syrup container is empty, preventing the line from completely drying out and minimizing downtime by alerting operators before the syrup is depleted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If no sensor is installed in the syrup transmission line, then the system structure remains simple, but the syrup line may run empty leading to carbonated water being dispensed instead of soft drinks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of empty syrup containerVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing mechanisms with an optical sensor system. The optical sensor detects the presence or absence of syrup in the transmission line by measuring light transmission properties, eliminating the need for mechanical level sensors or complex mechanical switches while maintaining reliable detection of empty syrup containers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light) to detect syrup presence. The optical sensor uses light transmission through the syrup to determine whether the container is empty, providing a non-contact, non-invasive detection method that simplifies the overall system structure while improving reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If operators manually check syrup containers, then no additional sensors are needed, but beverages may be dispensed without realizing only carbonated water is being dispensed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage dispensing accuracyVSAvoiddowntime for box replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a real-time feedback system where the optical sensor continuously monitors syrup levels and provides immediate notification to operators when the syrup container is empty. This continuous feedback eliminates the need for manual checking and ensures beverages are not dispensed incorrectly, while the automated alert system minimizes downtime by notifying operators at the precise moment intervention is needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-monitoring of syrup levels without requiring operator intervention. The optical sensor automatically detects when syrup is depleted and triggers an alert, allowing the system to monitor itself and notify operators only when action is required, thereby eliminating unnecessary manual checks and reducing downtime

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If the CO2 pump continues to cycle after syrup depletion, then pump operation is maintained, but the CO2 tank empties out causing additional replacement cost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 tank depletionVSAvoidpump operation continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary detection of syrup depletion before the CO2 pump wastes additional energy. The optical sensor detects empty syrup containers in advance and triggers an alert, allowing operators to replace the syrup container before the CO2 pump continues cycling uselessly, thereby preventing CO2 tank depletion while maintaining pump operation reliability when syrup is actually present

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution ensures continuous operation by alerting staff to replace empty syrup containers promptly, reducing downtime and CO2 wastage, and preventing the serving of carbonated water instead of soft drinks.

Implementation Method 1

An optic sensor, spliced in the first tubing transmission line, senses when the first tubing transmission line is devoid of soft drink syrup

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptic sensing: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11230465B1Soda pop syrup sensor

Publication Date: 2022.01.25 CANDLER KEVIN M

AI summary

A system for sensing empty soft drink syrup containers in a soda pop dispensing arrangement is provided that includes at least one soft drink syrup container; a mixing station for mixing water and CO2 with soft drink syrup to make a soda pop mixture; a pump for pumping soft drink syrup to the mixing station and beyond to be dispensed; a CO2 container providing CO2 gas; and a soda pop dispenser apparatus. The system also includes a first tubing transmission line extending between the soft drink syrup container and the pump for carrying soft drink syrup, a second tubing transmission line for carrying soft drink syrup between the pump and the mixing station, and a third tubing transmission line extending between the mixing station and the soda pop dispenser for carrying soda pop to be dispensed. An optic sensor is located and spliced in the first tubing transmission line for sensing when the first tubing transmission line is devoid of soft drink syrup, and a signal indicator electrically connected with the optic sensor provides a signal indicating when the first tubing transmission line is devoid of syrup.