Refrigerated post-mix dispenser
Solution Overview
Problem
Post-mix beverage dispensing systems require remote pumping stations for chilling beverage concentrates, which increases space requirements and waste, and necessitates the use of preservatives due to temperature fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained refrigerated post-mix dispenser system that continuously chills beverage concentrates within their packaging, utilizing a refrigeration system integrated within the housing, including an ice bank, water bath, and diaphragm pumps to maintain temperature and eliminate the need for remote chilling stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a remote pumping station is used to chill beverage concentrates, then the beverage concentrates can be chilled prior to dispensing, but the space requirements increase and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the refrigeration system, ice bank, water bath, and concentrate storage into a single integrated dispenser unit. The refrigeration system includes an evaporator coil that directly contacts the beverage concentrate container, eliminating the need for a separate remote pumping station and reducing overall space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the beverage concentrate container is placed inside the water bath, which is in turn surrounded by the evaporator coil. The ice bank is positioned within the refrigeration system housing. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, significantly reducing the total footprint of the system.
2Temperature
If a remote pumping station is used to chill beverage concentrates, then the beverage concentrates can be chilled prior to dispensing, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the refrigeration system, ice bank, water bath, and concentrate storage into a single integrated dispenser unit. This consolidation eliminates the need to install and connect multiple separate components (remote pumping station, chillers, storage tanks), thereby reducing installation time and complexity.
3Temperature
If beverage concentrates are rapidly chilled in a remote pumping station, then the concentrates can be cooled before dispensing, but temperature fluctuations require preservatives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous chilling through the ice bank that maintains a constant cold environment around the beverage concentrate container. The refrigeration system operates continuously to replenish melted ice and maintain the water bath at the required temperature, ensuring stable thermal conditions that eliminate the need for preservatives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chilling method from rapid, intermittent cooling in a remote station to continuous, gentle cooling through the water bath and evaporator coil system. This maintains the beverage concentrate temperature within a narrow range, preventing the temperature fluctuations that would otherwise require preservative additives.
4Loss of time
If all components are integrated within the housing, then installation time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the refrigeration system into modular components: the refrigeration system with evaporator coil, the ice bank, the water bath, the concentrate storage container, and the dispensing mechanism. Each module can be independently manufactured, tested, and serviced, which simplifies the integration process despite the high level of integration required.
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
Reduces installation time, minimizes waste and preservative use by maintaining consistent temperature within the dispenser, allowing for on-demand beverage creation with reduced space requirements and improved efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The refrigeration system evaporator coil to cool interior portions of the outer housing can be cooled by a recirculation pump running cold water from the ice bank and water bath
Implementation Method 2
the evaporator coil can be cooled by a refrigerant line in series with the evaporator coil in the ice bath
Implementation Method 3
gas or electric powered diaphragm concentrate pumps within the beverage dispensing system that pump pre-chilled beverage concentrate to a dispensing nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A post-mix beverage dispenser having all components within an insulated housing is provided. The beverage dispenser can include an insulated housing with interior compartments that contain all componentry for dispensing a beverage, a carbonated beverage, and ice. The interior compartments can contain a concentrate source, a concentrate pump, an ice bin, an ice dispensing mechanism, a refrigeration system, a diluent pump, and a carbonation system.