Peristaltic Syrup Pump Control for Drink Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drinks dispensing systems for carbonated soft drinks are bulky, require high maintenance due to adjustable valves for different syrups, and are not economically viable for venues with limited space, leading to inconsistent flow rates and high maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact drinks dispensing system with a dispensing valve assembly, a syrup delivery system featuring controllable peristaltic pumps, and a control system that sets electrical power parameters independently for each syrup pump, allowing for precise control of syrup and water mixing, housed within a single unit with a cooling system for temperature regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional syrup valves are used for each syrup, then syrup flow rate can be regulated, but maintenance costs increase and flow rate consistency decreases due to valve drift and breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical syrup flow regulation valves with an electrically controlled peristaltic pump system. The pump uses electrical power to drive a rotating element that compresses and advances the syrup through a tube, eliminating mechanical valves that require adjustment and maintenance. This substitution provides consistent flow rates through electrical control while reducing mechanical failure points.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate syrup systems with multiple valves are used, then different syrup types can be handled, but system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal pump system where a single peristaltic pump mechanism can handle multiple syrup types by adjusting electrical power parameters. The pump's rotating compression elements work with any syrup viscosity by varying speed and torque, eliminating the need for separate mechanical valve systems for each syrup type. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of operation
If conventional dispensing systems are installed in venues with limited space, then soft drink service is provided, but capital and installation costs become prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate system components into a single integrated dispensing unit. The carbonation system, syrup delivery system with peristaltic pumps, cooling system, and dispensing mechanisms are merged into one compact appliance that can be placed on a counter top. This consolidation dramatically reduces space requirements and lowers both capital and installation costs while maintaining full drink dispensing 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 provides consistent and efficient dispensing of carbonated and uncarbonated drinks with reduced maintenance needs, suitable for venues with limited space, by eliminating the need for separate valve adjustments and integrating all components in a compact unit.
Implementation Method 1
a first syrup pump for connection to a first syrup container, the first syrup pump being controllable to deliver a predetermined dose of syrup from the first syrup container to the dispensing valve assembly
Implementation Method 2
Both the carbonation system and syrup system are cooled, so that the dispensed soft drink is chilled relative to room temperature. Accordingly, the dispensing system may include a cooling system for this purpose.
Data Source
AI summary
Drinks dispensing system (10) comprising a first syrup pump (20) being controllable to deliver a predetermined dose of syrup from a first syrup container (22) to a dispensing valve assembly (16), a second syrup pump (20) being controllable to deliver a predetermined dose of syrup from a second syrup container (22) to the dispensing valve assembly (16), a control system (200) configured to control the operation of the first and second syrup pumps (20) by setting a first electrical power parameter of electrical power to be supplied to drive the first syrup pump (20) independently of a second electrical power parameter of electrical power to be supplied to drive the second syrup pump (20); and a water delivery system (14) configured to deliver water to the dispensing valve assembly (16), wherein the dispensing valve assembly (16) is operable to mix and dispense syrup and water.