Rotatable Beverage Tank with Weight Sensor to Reduce Friction Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage dispensing machines with vertically translating tanks experience high friction, leading to measurement errors and complex, expensive implementations for weight sensors.
Innovation Solution
A beverage dispensing machine with a rotatable tank around a horizontal axis, supported at two points and a third point by a weight sensor, minimizing friction and using pressurizing means and a strain gauge for accurate weight measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the tank is guided in vertical translation to rest on the weight sensor, then the weight measurement can be obtained, but high friction is generated which induces errors in the weight determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vertical translation guidance by implementing rotatable guidance around a horizontal axis. The tank rests on the frame at two support points defining the rotation axis, and on the weight sensor at a third support point. This inversion from vertical sliding to rotational movement dramatically reduces friction at the support points, eliminating the main source of measurement errors while maintaining reliable weight determination.
2Measurement precision
If the tank guidance in vertical translation is implemented, then the weight sensor can measure the liquid weight, but the implementation becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex vertical translation guidance mechanisms with a simple rotational guidance system. By allowing the tank to rotate around a horizontal axis defined by two support points on the frame, the system eliminates the need for complex vertical guides, rails, or motors. The tank naturally rests on the weight sensor at a third support point, providing measurement capability with minimal mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank's own weight and gravity provide the necessary force to maintain contact with the weight sensor and the frame support points. The system uses the tank's mass to automatically position itself for measurement without requiring external actuators, motors, or complex control mechanisms for vertical positioning. The rotational freedom allows the tank to self-adjust while maintaining stable measurement conditions.
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 solution provides reliable, repetitive weight measurements with reduced friction and a cost-effective design, allowing for precise liquid volume determination.
Implementation Method 1
a weight sensor arranged between the reservoir and the frame to determine and transmit to the control device a value representative of the weight of the liquid present in the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
the weight sensor comprises a strain gauge arranged on a metal body which undergoes deformation under the action of the weight of the liquid present in the tank
Implementation Method 3
the reservoir is rotatable in the frame around an axis of rotation, the reservoir resting on the frame at first and second support points which define the axis of rotation
Data Source
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AI summary
- Beverage dispensing machine comprising a rotating movable tank and a weight sensor. - The invention relates to a beverage dispensing machine (1) comprising a frame (2), a liquid tank (10) movably mounted within the frame (2), a control system, and a weight sensor arranged between the tank (10) and the frame (2) to determine and transmit to the control device a value representative of the weight of the liquid present in the tank (10). According to the invention, the tank (10) is movable in rotation within the frame (2) about an axis of rotation (11), the tank (10) resting on the frame (2) at first (12a) and second (12b) support points which define the axis of rotation (11), and the tank (10) resting on the weight sensor at a third support point (12c). - Beverage dispensing machines.