Optical Supply Pack Detection in Beverage Dispensing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing machines require costly and intricate sensor systems for automated detection of supply packs and product availability, which are cumbersome to assemble and operate, and lack cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a first and second type of exchangeable supply pack with distinct dosers, employing transparent and opaque elements to interfere with radiation emitted by a transmitter, allowing for automated detection of pack positioning and product availability using light detection methods without physical contact, and enabling a cost-effective and reliable distinction between individual signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensor systems are used for automated detection of supply packs and product availability, then detection accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensor systems with a simple optical detection system using a transmitter that emits radiation and detectors that receive the radiation. The doser contains optical elements (transparent and opaque regions) that modulate the radiation to convey information about pack presence and product availability, eliminating the need for complex sensors while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical signals as a simplified copy or representation of the physical state of the supply pack. Instead of directly sensing physical properties with complex sensors, the system uses light transmission patterns that copy the state information (pack present/absent, product available/unavailable) in a simplified binary format that is easy to detect and interpret
2Reliability
If complex sensor systems are implemented for automated detection, then detection reliability is improved, but manufacturing and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensor assemblies with a straightforward optical system where the transmitter and detectors are positioned to detect light transmission through the doser. The doser's optical elements (transparent and opaque regions) passively encode the state information, eliminating complex sensor electronics and simplifying manufacturing and assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The doser itself serves as the information carrier by incorporating optical elements that automatically modulate the light signal based on the pack and product state. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex sensing electronics, making the system more reliable and easier to manufacture while maintaining detection reliability
3Device complexity
If cost-effective detection systems are used, then system cost is reduced, but detection precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves high detection precision with a low-cost system by replacing expensive electronic sensors with simple optical detectors. The precision is maintained through the use of clearly defined transparent and opaque optical elements in the doser that create distinct, easily distinguishable light transmission patterns, allowing accurate detection without complex or expensive sensing components
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 provides a simple, reliable, and failsafe method for detecting the presence and contents of supply packs, reducing human interference and operational costs while enhancing automation, and allowing for the reuse of dosers to minimize waste.
Implementation Method 1
a first interface for incorporation in a machine; a second interface on the first type of doser of the first type of exchangeable supply pack, operatively connectable to the first interface; a transmitter on the first interface for emitting radiation; a first detector on the first interface for detecting presence of product in the first type of exchangeable supply pack
Implementation Method 2
a second detector on the first interface for detecting presence of the first type of exchangeable supply pack; the second interface of the first type of doser is receivable between the transmitter and both the first and second detectors, to interfere with radiation emitted by the transmitter
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for automated detection in beverage dispensing machines suitable for receiving at least a first and second type of exchangeable supply pack (9; 113) adapted to contain a product to be supplied in the operation of the system equipped with means (1) for automatically performing presence of supply detection. More particularly, the detection of the presence and the contents of exchangeable supply packs (9; 113) in beverage dispensing machines is automated. A pack-in-place detection is provided by emitting light and measuring the presence of the emitted light on one light detector (7, 75), the system determines the absence or the correct/incorrect placement of the supply pack. A product availability detection is provided by detecting the intensity of light coming through a transparent element in the first type of supply pack (9) by another light detector (5; 65, 69; 143, 145), the system identifies the degree of product presence in the first type of supply pack (9), while with the second type of supply pack (113) the product availability is not detected and assumed to be available.