Reversible Pump Agitation for Uniform Beverage Ingredient Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage dispensing systems face challenges in maintaining consistent quality and flavor profile when dealing with ingredients that include pulp and particles, as they tend to settle over time, leading to uneven distribution and taste variation in freshly made beverages.
Innovation Solution
An agitation system for beverage containers using a two-way valve, reversible pump, and connector tube to draw and discharge beverage ingredients, controlled by a processor, ensuring thorough mixing and consistent flavor quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If beverage ingredients with pulp and particles are stored in containers over time, then the ingredients settle and separate, but this leads to uneven distribution and taste variation in dispensed beverages
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic agitation cycles where the pump operates intermittently to mix ingredients rather than continuously. The controller activates the pump at scheduled intervals to draw and discharge ingredients through the circulation loop, maintaining uniform distribution without requiring constant energy input. This periodic action prevents settling while achieving reliable beverage quality consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation system maintains continuous movement of ingredients through the pump and tubing loop, ensuring that ingredients never remain completely stationary. The continuous circulation prevents settling and separation by keeping the ingredient mixture in constant motion, thereby maintaining both uniform distribution and consistent beverage quality throughout storage periods.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an agitation system is added to the beverage dispensing system, then ingredient mixing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump serves multiple functions: it acts as both the dispensing pump for delivering beverages and the agitation pump for mixing ingredients. The same pump draws ingredients during agitation cycles and dispenses them during beverage preparation, eliminating the need for a separate agitation mechanism. This multi-functionality maintains ingredient uniformity without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The agitation system merges the circulation tubing and valve assembly with the existing dispensing system. The two-way valve integrates into the current fluid pathway, and the agitation loop uses the same pump and tubing infrastructure, combining mixing and dispensing functions into a unified system rather than adding separate independent components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the container deforms during storage or dispensing, then the ingredient flow path changes, but this may affect agitation effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The agitation system is designed to be dynamic and adaptive to container shape changes. The pump maintains variable flow rates that can accommodate different container configurations, and the two-way valve adjusts flow paths based on pressure differentials caused by deformation. This dynamic response ensures effective agitation and uniform ingredient distribution regardless of container shape variations during storage or dispensing.
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
The system maintains uniform ingredient distribution and flavor consistency by periodically agitating the ingredients, even when the container deforms, ensuring each serving maintains the desired taste profile without additional complex components.
Implementation Method 1
The system includes a reversible pump configured to drive the beverage ingredient flow through the tube assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for the agitation of beverage ingredients in beverage ingredient containers are disclosed. In some embodiments, an agitation system includes an ingredient tube assembly comprising a two-way valve, a reversible pump, and a connector tube connecting the valve to the pump. The valve is configured to couple the tube assembly to a beverage ingredient container and to allow beverage ingredient to flow in a forward or reverse direction. The reversible pump drives the flow of the beverage ingredient through the tube assembly. The system includes a controller, which controls operation of the tube assembly components. The ingredient tube assembly is configured to draw a portion of the beverage ingredient from the container into the tube assembly and subsequently discharge this portion back into the container using the reversible pump.