Integrated Refrigerated Post-Mix Dispenser Without Remote Chilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Post-mix dispensers typically require a remote pumping station for chilling beverage concentrates, which increases space requirements and transport costs, and may necessitate the use of preservatives due to temperature fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained refrigerated post-mix dispenser system that continuously chills beverage concentrates within their packaging, using a refrigeration system integrated within the housing, including an ice bank, water bath, and diaphragm pumps to cool and distribute the concentrates directly to the dispensing nozzle, eliminating the need for a remote pumping station and reducing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a remote pumping station is used to chill beverage concentrates, then the concentrates can be cooled before dispensing, but the space requirements and transport costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the refrigeration system, ice bank, water bath, and concentrate pump into a single integrated unit housed within the dispenser housing. This merging of previously separate components (remote pumping station and dispenser) eliminates the need for external chilling infrastructure, thereby reducing space requirements while maintaining the temperature control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a water bath as an intermediary medium between the ice bank and the beverage concentrate. The water bath absorbs heat from the concentrate indirectly through heat exchange, providing efficient cooling without direct contact between ice and concentrate containers. This intermediary approach enables compact integration while maintaining effective temperature control.
2Temperature
If a remote pumping station is used to chill beverage concentrates, then the concentrates can be cooled before dispensing, but transport costs and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all refrigeration and pumping components within the dispenser housing, the system eliminates the need for separate remote pumping station installation. This consolidation reduces installation time and complexity while maintaining the temperature control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-contained, with the refrigeration system automatically maintaining the ice bank and water bath temperature, and the pump automatically drawing chilled concentrate when needed. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external infrastructure and reduces installation time.
3Volume of stationary object
If beverage concentrates are not continuously chilled, then storage space is reduced, but preservatives are required to maintain quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous chilling of beverage concentrates through an always-active refrigeration system that maintains the ice bank and water bath at sub-zero temperatures. The concentrate remains in constant contact with the chilled water bath, ensuring uninterrupted cooling. This continuous action eliminates the need for preservatives by maintaining optimal temperature conditions at all times.
4Loss of time
If all components are integrated within the housing, then installation time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrated system into distinct functional modules: refrigeration system (compressor, condenser, evaporator), ice bank, water bath, and concentrate pump. Each module is designed as a separate assembly that can be independently manufactured, tested, and maintained. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while enabling compact integration within the housing.
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 reduces installation time, minimizes space requirements, decreases the need for preservatives, and enhances operational efficiency by maintaining consistent temperature control for beverage preparation, thereby offering a more compact and cost-effective solution for beverage dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
The refrigeration system evaporator coil to cool interior portions of the outer housing
Implementation Method 2
a recirculation pump running cold water from the ice bank and water bath
Implementation Method 3
the evaporator coil can be cooled by a refrigerant line in series with the evaporator coil in the ice bath
Implementation Method 4
an ice bank and water bath to cool incoming diluent sources and/or concentrate sources
Implementation Method 5
gas or electric powered diaphragm concentrate pumps within the beverage dispensing system that pump pre-chilled beverage concentrate to a dispensing nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A post-mix beverage dispenser having all components within an insulated housing is provided. The beverage dispenser can include an insulated housing with interior compartments that contain all complementary for dispensing a beverage, a carbonated beverage, and ice. The interior compartments can contain a concentrate source, a concentrate pump, an ice bin, an ice dispensing mechanism, a refrigeration system, a diluent pump, and a carbonation system.