Remote Micro-Ingredient Recirculation for Homogeneous Beverage Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beverage dispensers face challenges in maintaining micro-ingredient integrity when stored remotely due to separation issues, especially in locations with difficult access or during busy periods, which limits beverage options and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A beverage dispensing system with a remote micro-ingredient storage system utilizing a recirculation loop and agitation mechanism, such as static mixers, to maintain micro-ingredient homogeneity by preventing separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If micro-ingredients are stored remotely from the nozzle, then access difficulty is reduced and operational flexibility is improved, but micro-ingredient separation occurs during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary agitation of micro-ingredients in a recirculation loop before dispensing. The agitation device actively mixes the micro-ingredients while they are being pumped through the remote storage system, preventing separation from occurring during transport to the nozzle.
Solution Approach 2:
A recirculation loop with an agitation device serves as an intermediary mechanism between the remote micro-ingredient storage and the nozzle. This intermediary system actively maintains micro-ingredient homogeneity during transport through continuous agitation and recirculation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If micro-ingredients are stored in the beverage dispenser, then ingredient integrity is maintained, but access during busy periods is blocked and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the micro-ingredient storage function into two separate locations: a remote storage system for bulk storage and a nozzle for dispensing. This segmentation allows operators to access and replenish micro-ingredients remotely without blocking the beverage dispensing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A recirculation loop with an agitation device serves as an intermediary mechanism between the remote micro-ingredient storage and the nozzle. This intermediary system actively maintains micro-ingredient homogeneity during transport through continuous agitation and recirculation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If micro-ingredients are pumped through remote storage, then operational flexibility is improved, but separation occurs before reaching the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous recirculation and agitation of micro-ingredients through the remote storage system. This continuous action ensures that micro-ingredients remain homogeneously mixed throughout the entire transport process, maintaining stability despite the flexible remote storage arrangement.
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
Ensures consistent and efficient delivery of micro-ingredients to the nozzle, enhancing beverage variety and operational flexibility by maintaining ingredient integrity even at remote storage locations.
Implementation Method 1
The remote micro-ingredient storage system may include a recirculation loop in communication with the nozzle to agitate the micro-ingredient therein
Data Source
AI summary
The present application thus provides a beverage dispensing system for combining a micro-ingredient and a diluent. The beverage dispensing system may include a nozzle and a remote micro-ingredient storage system positioned at a distance from the nozzle. The remote micro-ingredient storage system may include a recirculation loop in communication with the nozzle to agitate the micro-ingredient therein.