Smart Draft Beer Tap with Dynamic Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Draft beer quality is difficult to control due to variations in beer storage and pouring conditions, leading to irregular foam levels, temperature issues, and over-pouring, resulting in suboptimal consumer experience and increased waste.
Innovation Solution
Smart draft beer taps that dynamically adjust flow rate based on sensed parameters like temperature, pressure, and beer characteristics, using a creamer mechanism to control foam formation and minimize foaming, while integrating sensors and a controller for real-time data analysis and network connectivity for inventory management and quality control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pouring technique is used by bartenders, then operation simplicity is maintained, but beer quality consistency deteriorates due to variations in pouring technique and conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pouring operations with an automated electronic control system. Sensors detect beer parameters (temperature, pressure, flow rate) and a controller automatically adjusts valve opening degree and pouring speed, eliminating reliance on bartender skill while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring beer parameters during pouring and dynamically adjusting the valve opening degree based on detected conditions. This closed-loop control ensures consistent beer quality by compensating for variations in temperature, pressure, and flow rate throughout the pouring process.
2Reliability
If beer is kept colder to retain carbonation, then carbonation stability is improved, but foam formation increases when beer temperature rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the valve opening degree based on real-time temperature detection. When beer temperature rises, the system automatically reduces valve opening to decrease flow rate and minimize foam formation, while maintaining appropriate opening degree when temperature is stable, thus adapting to thermal variations without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pouring parameter (valve opening degree) in response to temperature changes. By detecting temperature variations and adjusting the opening degree accordingly, the system prevents excessive foam formation caused by temperature-induced carbonation release while maintaining optimal pouring conditions.
3Productivity
If faster pouring is used to increase service speed, then productivity is improved, but foam formation and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flow rate control by continuously adjusting the valve opening degree during pouring. The system detects flow rate in real-time and modifies opening degree to optimize pouring speed while preventing excessive foam formation, thereby increasing service efficiency without proportionally increasing waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes the pouring parameter (opening degree) based on detected conditions. By adjusting opening degree to match actual flow rate and beer characteristics, the system achieves faster pouring when conditions permit while minimizing foam and waste when conditions require more controlled pouring.
4Adaptability or versatility
If longer beer lines are used to transport beer, then distribution flexibility is improved, but temperature differential between keg and tap increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses temperature sensors positioned at multiple points along the beer line to detect temperature variations in real-time. The controller receives this feedback and adjusts the valve opening degree to compensate for temperature differentials caused by long beer lines, ensuring consistent beer quality from keg to tap despite extended transport distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts the pouring parameter (opening degree) based on detected temperature conditions. When temperature differential increases due to long beer lines, the system modifies opening degree to account for warmer beer reaching the tap, thereby maintaining optimal pouring conditions despite the extended transport path.
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 smart taps ensure consistent beer quality, reduce waste, enhance consumer experience, and provide valuable insights for breweries and bars to optimize operations and inventory planning.
Implementation Method 1
a creamer positioned along the fluid path and configured to agitate the fluid and to cause the fluid to transform from a liquid into a foam
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor positioned along the fluid path and configured to generate parameter data representing a parameter of fluid flowing along the fluid path
Implementation Method 3
parameter data representing a parameter of fluid flowing along the fluid path
Implementation Method 4
a variable opening valve positioned along the fluid path and configured to be define a variable area across the fluid path; an actuator configured to open and close the variable opening valve
Implementation Method 5
a network connectivity module configured to transmit the parameter data over a network
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for smart draft beer taps that can dynamically vary flow rate and control the amount of dispensed head based on one or more of sensed parameters of the beer, the draft beer environment, characteristics of the beer, and on brewery specified pouring standards. The disclosed systems provide networked data communication relating to bar draft beer pouring conditions.