Custom Post-Mix Drink Dosing System with Software Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drink production methods are limited to creating identical products, failing to offer unique compositions that cater to individual tastes and preferences, especially in mass production scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A process and system that utilize three different drinks stored in separate tanks, each connected to a dosing pump and a dosing star, controlled by a software unit to create drinks with unique compositions by varying the quantities of the three drinks in each bottle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional mass production methods are used for drinks, then production efficiency is high, but all drinks have identical compositions and cannot cater to individual tastes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrink composition varietyVSAvoidmass production efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The drink production process is segmented into multiple independent dosing streams, each handling a different base drink component. The system divides the single drink stream into three separate dosing pumps (first dosing pump, second dosing pump, third dosing pump) that can independently dose different quantities of different drinks, enabling composition variation while maintaining efficient production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces dynamic control over drink composition through software that can vary the dosing quantities of each component drink on-demand. The dosing pumps are controlled to deliver different volumes of each base drink, creating dynamically adjustable drink compositions that cater to individual tastes while maintaining mass production capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If unique drink compositions are created for each bottle, then consumer satisfaction increases, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunique drink compositionVSAvoiddosing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dosing star mechanism serves multiple functions: it receives inputs from three different dosing pumps, distributes the mixed composition to the bottle, and enables sequential dosing of different drink components. This multi-functional design allows unique composition creation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The dosing star acts as an intermediary component that coordinates between the three dosing pumps and the final bottle filling process. It manages the complex timing and sequencing of multiple drink components, simplifying the control architecture by providing a central coordination point for the dosing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If different quantities of three drinks are dosed to create unique compositions, then drink individuality is achieved, but dosing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomposition customizationVSAvoiddosing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback control through software that monitors and adjusts the dosing quantities of each component drink. The control unit receives data from the dosing pumps and makes real-time adjustments to ensure precise composition delivery, enabling customization while maintaining high dosing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual or simple mechanical dosing with electronically controlled dosing pumps that use sensors and software control to achieve precise dosage. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronically controlled systems enables both composition customization and high dosing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If three separate dosing pumps are used for different drinks, then composition flexibility increases, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrink mixing flexibilityVSAvoidmultiple pumps and control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges three separate dosing operations into a single integrated dosing star mechanism that coordinates all three drink components. By combining the dosing functions into one centralized structure with unified control, the system achieves high mixing flexibility while reducing the overall complexity compared to three completely separate dosing systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4534473A1Process and system for the preparation of customised post-mix drinks

Publication Date: 2025.04.09 UBIQUITT SRL UNIPERSONALE

AI summary

System for preparing post-mix drinks with different compositions comprising: three different beverages, three tanks, three dosing pumps, three lines connecting each of said three tanks with one of said three dosing pumps, a dosing star for filling a bottle, three connection lines of each of said three dosing pumps with the dosing star, a bottle, a printer, wherein the three dosing pumps, the dosing star and a printer are electrically connected to a control unit, wherein said control unit stores software configured to prepare drinks having different compositions.