Sequential Thermal Cubicle Toggling for Recipe-Based Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage and food dispensing systems lack standardized execution of recipes, leading to inefficiencies, ingredient wastage, and inconsistency due to the lack of sequential toggling of thermal cubicles based on recipe flow logic, resulting in limited repertoire and inefficient preparation processes.
Innovation Solution
A counter-top dispensing system with a single peristaltic pump configuration that sequentially toggles thermal cubicles into an intermediary reservoir, controlled by a processor and memory element, ensuring ingredients are mixed in the proper order for efficient and consistent food and beverage preparation, allowing integration of additional kitchen appliances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large pump bank with multiple pumps is used for simultaneous fluid dispensing, then the device can dispense multiple ingredients at once, but it occupies the lion share of the housing and leaves no room for additional kitchen appliances
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the dispensing process into sequential phases rather than simultaneous operations. The single pump dispenses different ingredients at different time intervals based on recipe logic, dividing the overall dispensing task into manageable temporal segments that fit within the constrained housing space
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump serves multiple functions by sequentially dispensing different ingredients for various recipes. Instead of having dedicated pumps for each ingredient, one pump performs the role of multiple pumps through time-based control, making the system more space-efficient while maintaining versatility
2Productivity
If parallel pump configuration with simultaneous fluid flow is used, then multiple ingredients can be dispensed at the same time, but it is not conducive to proper food or beverage preparation where specific flow sequence is critical
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the dispensing process based on recipe requirements. The controller modifies the operational state of the single pump over time, switching between different dispensing rates and sequences to match the specific needs of each recipe, whether sequential or simultaneous ingredient addition is required
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the single pump and the dispensing process. It interprets recipe logic and translates it into precise pump control signals, ensuring that the single pump delivers ingredients in the correct sequence and proportions, mediating between the simplified hardware and complex recipe requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual mixing of ingredients is used, then flexibility in recipe creation is maintained, but execution of recipes becomes inconsistent and time inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the mixing function automatically without requiring manual intervention. The single pump, controlled by programmed recipe logic, automatically sequences the dispensing of ingredients and manages the mixing process, making the system self-sufficient while maintaining recipe flexibility through programmable control
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 ensures proper mixing and dispensing of beverages and food according to recipe logic, reducing the need for a large pump bank, allowing for a compact form factor and increased housing space for additional appliances, while enhancing consistency and efficiency in preparation.
Implementation Method 1
control at least one thermoelectric element disposed within an outer shell and inner conductive lining of at least one thermal cubicle to heat or cool said thermal cubicle
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a system and method for sequentially toggling a peristaltic pump disposed within a thermal cubicle for order-specific mixing of ingredients in a intermediary reservoir based on a recipe flow logic, the method comprising the steps of: receiving data input from a user via the user interface; based on the received input data, controlling at least one thermoelectric element disposed within an outer shell and inner conductive lining of at least one thermal cubicle to heat or cool said thermal cubicle; and based on the received input data, sequentially pumping a heated or cooled ingredient into the at least one tubular piping in fluid communication with any one of, or combination of, an intermediary reservoir for order-sensitive mixing of at least one other ingredient and, or directly to the pour outlet for dispensing.