Remote Beverage Dispenser Micro-Ingredient Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional beverage dispensers require significant storage space for large bag-in-box containers of beverage bases, limiting the variety of options and efficiency in fast-service environments like restaurants and drive-throughs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a remote beverage dispensing system with micro-ingredients that can be stored in smaller packages near or within the dispenser, allowing for two-way communication between point-of-sale devices and remote dispensers to manage orders and inventory, enabling the creation of multiple beverage options without extensive storage needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional bag-in-box containers are used for beverage bases, then the beverage can be dispensed with proper dilution ratio, but significant storage space is required and multiple containers are needed for different flavors
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage base is segmented into micro-ingredients (flavor concentrates, color concentrates, sugar solutions, acid solutions) that can be stored in small individual containers. This segmentation allows multiple flavor varieties to be stored in compact form within the dispenser, eliminating the need for large bag-in-box containers while maintaining beverage quality and dilution ratios.
2Length of stationary object
If bag-in-box containers are positioned away from the dispenser in a backroom, then storage space near the dispenser is freed, but long supply lines are required
Solution Approach 1:
The storage dimension is changed from horizontal (backroom storage with long supply lines) to vertical integration (storage within the dispenser unit itself). The dispenser incorporates internal storage chambers that hold micro-ingredient containers, eliminating the need for long supply lines and backroom storage while maintaining ready access to all beverage components.
3Volume of stationary object
If micro-ingredients are used with higher reconstitution ratios, then storage space is reduced and containers can be placed near the dispenser, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is designed as a universal platform that can handle multiple types of micro-ingredients (flavor concentrates, color concentrates, sugar solutions, acid solutions) through a single integrated system. The dispenser includes universal dosing mechanisms, mixing chambers, and control systems that work with all micro-ingredient types, managing the complexity through standardized multi-functional components rather than separate systems for each ingredient type.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a remote beverage dispensing system for filling a number of orders with one or more beverage selections. The remote beverage dispensing system may include a point-of-sale device for receiving the orders and a remote beverage dispenser for filling the orders. The remote beverage dispenser may include a point-of-sale order queue and a manual selection screen. The point-of-sale order queue may include the beverages selections in each of the number of orders.