PWM Drive Signal for Pump Flow Rate Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage dispensing machines have limited product variety and customization due to hard-plumbed and hardwired internal plumbing, restricting the range of soft drinks they can offer.
Innovation Solution
A method using pulse width modulation (PWM) drive signals to regulate the flow rate of a solenoid piston pump, allowing for customizable beverage creation by varying the duty cycle of the pump assembly's voltage potential, enabling the combination of different syrups and ingredients in a beverage dispensing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard-plumbed internal plumbing is used in beverage dispensing machines, then device stability and reliability are improved, but adaptability and product variety are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pump system adjustable and reconfigurable. Instead of fixed hard-plumbed connections, the system uses controllable pumps with variable flow rates that can be dynamically adjusted through PWM control signals, allowing the same physical infrastructure to deliver different beverage compositions and varieties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by using PWM pulse width modulation to vary the duty cycle of the drive signal, which controls the flow rate of the pump assembly. This allows continuous adjustment of ingredient mixing ratios and beverage formulation parameters without changing the physical plumbing configuration.
2Reliability
If hardwired internal electronics are used in beverage dispensing machines, then device stability is improved, but customization capability and operational flexibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control system uses dynamic PWM signal generation with adjustable duty cycles, allowing the same hardwired electronics to provide variable pump control for different beverage recipes and customization options.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to be universal by using a single pump assembly that can dispense multiple different syrups and ingredients through electronic control, replacing the need for separate hardwired circuits for each beverage type.
3Device complexity
If fixed pump control is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but flow rate precision and beverage formulation accuracy are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic PWM pulse signals to control the pump assembly, where the duty cycle of the periodic waveform precisely controls the average flow rate. This allows accurate beverage formulation through timed pulsing of the pump while maintaining relatively simple control circuitry.
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
Enables a high degree of customization and variety in beverage options by precisely controlling the flow rates of various ingredients, allowing users to select from multiple flavorings, nutraceuticals, and other additives, enhancing user experience and product diversity.
Implementation Method 1
defining a PWM drive signal having a defined voltage potential. The PWM drive signal has a plurality of 'on' portions and a plurality of 'off portions that define a first duty cycle for regulating, at least in part, a flow rate of a pump assembly. At least a portion of the 'on' portions of the PWM drive signal are pulse width modulated to define a second duty cycle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method and computer program product for defining a PWM drive signal having a defined voltage potential. The PWM drive signal has a plurality of "on" portions and a plurality of "off portions that define a first duty cycle for regulating, at least in part, a flow rate of a pump assembly. At least a portion of the "on" portions of the PWM drive signal are pulse width modulated to define a second duty cycle for the at least a portion of the "on" portions of the PWM drive signal. The second duty cycle regulates, at least in part, the percentage of the defined voltage potential applied to the pump assembly.