Optical Supply Pack Detection for Beverage Product Availability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing machines face challenges in automating the detection of exchangeable supply packs and product availability, requiring costly and complex sensor systems that are difficult to assemble and operate, and often fail to distinguish between empty and absent storage units.
Innovation Solution
A system using light detection with multiple light sources and detectors, including transparent and opaque elements in the doser, to automate pack positioning and product availability detection without physical contact, employing infrared light or LEDs and a prism to differentiate between liquid and air presence, providing a cost-effective and reliable solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If optical supply detection is used to detect storage unit presence and product availability, then automated detection capability is improved, but the system cannot distinguish between an empty storage unit and an absent storage unit
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system is segmented into multiple independent detection paths: a first optical detector monitors storage unit presence, while a second optical detector monitors product availability within the storage unit. This segmentation allows each detector to specialize in one aspect, enabling the system to distinguish between an absent storage unit (first detector signal lost) and an empty storage unit (second detector signal lost while first detector signal remains).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary transparent element within the storage unit that selectively transmits light to different detectors. This intermediary structure allows the first optical detector to detect the presence of the storage unit itself, while the second optical detector detects the presence of product through the transparent element, thereby mediating the distinction between empty and absent states.
2Measurement precision
If sensitive and accurate sensors are used for pack and product detection, then detection precision is improved, but system cost and complexity increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system is designed with multi-functionality: the same light source and detector architecture serves both pack presence detection and product availability detection. The transparent element acts as a universal optical modulator that enables both detection functions without requiring separate specialized sensors, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive optical components such as basic light sources and detectors rather than complex expensive sensors. The transparent element in the storage unit serves as a disposable or replaceable component that enables precise detection without requiring expensive electronic systems, aligning with the principle of using simple, cost-effective components.
3Reliability
If complex sensor systems are implemented for automated detection, then detection reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system merges the pack presence detection and product availability detection into a single integrated optical assembly. The light source, transparent element, and detectors are combined into one manufacturable unit that can be assembled as a single module, improving ease of manufacture and assembly while maintaining high detection reliability through the combined functionality.
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 enables reliable and failsafe detection of supply pack presence and product availability, reducing human interference and operational costs while improving assembly and operation simplicity, effectively distinguishing between pack placement and product levels.
Implementation Method 1
A transparent element of the doser is positioned between a transmitter and the first detector
Implementation Method 2
An opaque element of the doser is positioned between a transmitter and the second detector
Implementation Method 3
employing infrared light or LEDs and a prism to differentiate between liquid and air presence
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Means are provided for the support of the automated process of supplying beverages. More particularly, the detection of the presence and the contents of exchangeable supply packs (9) 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 supply pack by another light detector (5; 65, 69), the system identifies the degree of product presence in the supply pack.