Beverage Dispensing With Replaceable Receptacles and Identifier Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensing systems in the spirits industry face challenges related to packaging waste, supply chain inefficiencies, and lack of automated, hygienic beverage transfer, which are not addressed by current technologies.
Innovation Solution
A beverage dispensing apparatus with a replaceable fluid receptacle, extractor, controller, dispenser, and reader, which includes a processor to verify the receptacle's identifier and control fluid extraction, enabling automated, hygienic transfer and supply chain management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If traditional bottled spirits distribution is used, then beverage storage and dispensing is simple, but packaging waste is enormous and supply chain visibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the beverage distribution function into modular components: a reusable dispensing apparatus and replaceable fluid receptacles. This allows the packaging to be separated from the dispensing mechanism, enabling the receptacle to be refilled and reused multiple times, thereby reducing packaging waste while maintaining system simplicity through standardized interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an identifier verification system as an intermediary between the receptacle and dispensing process. The reader verifies identifiers on receptacles to ensure authenticity and enable supply chain tracking, adding functionality without significantly increasing overall system complexity through integrated control logic
2Ease of operation
If manual beverage transfer is used, then equipment requirements are minimal, but hygiene and accuracy of beverage transfer cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where the extractor automatically extracts precise volumes of beverage from the receptacle based on controller instructions, and the dispenser automatically dispenses into the serving vessel. This automated self-service ensures consistent hygiene and accuracy while keeping the operation simple for the user
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pouring with an automated extraction and dispensing system that uses controlled fluid transfer mechanisms. This substitution ensures precise volume control and maintained hygiene standards while the integrated controller keeps the system manageable in complexity
3Loss of information
If traditional dispensing systems are used, then device structure is simple, but supply chain visibility and stock management are impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the reader verifies identifiers on receptacles and containers, and the controller tracks beverage extraction and dispensing volumes. This feedback loop provides real-time data on inventory levels and beverage flow, enabling supply chain visibility and stock management through integrated recording and reporting functions
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage dispensing apparatus comprising a body for engaging a replaceable fluid receptacle; an extractor for extracting fluid from the receptacle; a controller comprising two or more volume selectors for controlling extraction, by the extractor, of a respective predetermined volume of the fluid from the receptacle; a dispenser for dispensing the fluid, extracted by the extractor, into a container; and a reader for reading an identifier on the receptacle, wherein a processor is configured to receive, from the reader, data comprising the identifier and verify the identifier based on one or more conditions, wherein if the identifier satisfies the one or more conditions the controller is operable to control extraction of the fluid from the receptacle and if the identifier does not satisfy at least one said condition the controller cannot be operated to extract fluid from the receptacle.