Pump-Controlled Beverage Mixing for Lower-Cost Shipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shipping prepared beverages like alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer is expensive due to weight and size-related shipping costs and regulatory taxes, necessitating a need for systems that reduce shipping costs and regulatory expenses while maintaining beverage quality.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising pumps, a controller, and a valve to mix high-density fermented beverages with carrier liquids and pressurized carbonated water, allowing on-site preparation of beverages with adjustable flavor and alcohol content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prepared beverages are shipped to customers, then beverage availability is improved, but shipping costs and regulatory expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage is segmented into separate concentrate and carrier liquid components. The concentrate is shipped in small volumes to dispensing locations, while the carrier liquid (water or other beverages) is obtained locally. This segmentation dramatically reduces shipping volume and weight while maintaining beverage availability, directly resolving the contradiction between beverage availability and shipping costs.
2Loss of energy
If high density fermented beverages are concentrated for shipping, then shipping costs are reduced, but beverage quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The concentrate is formulated with specific parameter ranges: alcohol content of 6-24% ABV, pH of 3.0-5.0, and specific gravity of 1.040-1.200. These parameter changes allow the beverage to be concentrated for shipping while maintaining stability and quality. The high alcohol content acts as a preservative, and the controlled pH and specific gravity ensure proper mixing and sensory characteristics upon reconstitution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple beverage types are offered, then customer choice increases, but inventory complexity and shipping costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal carrier liquid (water or other beverages) that can be mixed with different concentrates to create multiple beverage types. Instead of storing and shipping multiple finished beverages, the system ships concentrated forms that can be universally reconstituted using the same carrier liquid infrastructure, dramatically reducing inventory complexity while maintaining beverage variety.
4Manufacturing precision
If pumps are used to meter and mix liquids, then mixing precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pump-driven liquid delivery with flow meters to precisely control the metering and mixing of concentrate and carrier liquid. The pumps provide controlled flow rates while the system monitors and adjusts mixing ratios, achieving precise beverage formulation. The complexity is managed through automated control systems that integrate the pumping, metering, and mixing functions into a unified dispensing platform.
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
Reduces shipping costs and regulatory expenses by enabling on-site beverage preparation, maintaining quality and flexibility in flavor and alcohol content.
Implementation Method 1
a first pump configured to be fluidically coupled to a source of a first liquid including a high density fermented beverage
Implementation Method 2
a second pump configured to be fluidically coupled to a source of a second liquid including a carrier liquid and a substance having bitterness characteristics
Implementation Method 3
a valve configured to be coupled to a source supply of a third liquid including pressurized carbonated water
Implementation Method 4
the flow connector configured to receive the first liquid, the second liquid, and the third liquid, the flow connector configured to be fluidically coupled to a fluid dispenser such that a fourth liquid including a combination of the first liquid, the second liquid, and the third liquid
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods, including a system for metering, mixing, and dispensing liquids, such as alcoholic and non-alcoholic liquids and solutions, are provided. In one instance, the system includes a controller operatively coupled to a first pump and a second pump. The first pump and the second pump are coupled to a first liquid source and a second liquid source, respectively. The controller controls flow rates at each of the first pump and the second pump. The system includes a valve coupled to a source supply of a third liquid, including pressurized carbonated water. The system includes a fluid connector coupled to the first pump, the second pump, the valve, and a dispenser. The connector receives the first liquid, the second liquid, and the third liquid, such that a fourth liquid, including a combination of the first liquid, the second liquid, and the third liquid, is dispensable from the dispenser.