Syrup Line Pressure Sensor for Beverage Dispenser Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage dispensers face challenges in monitoring syrup bag levels and carbon dioxide tank status, leading to potential shortages and unnecessary pump operation, which can result in wasted resources and equipment wear.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system that measures pressure within syrup lines to detect when syrup bags are empty or carbon dioxide levels are low, generating alerts for timely replacement, thereby preventing shortages and extending pump lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual monitoring of syrup bags is performed, then workers can detect empty bags, but it is difficult and time-consuming to proactively monitor and determine when syrup bags need replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service monitoring where the beverage dispenser automatically detects syrup bag levels and generates replacement alerts without requiring worker intervention. The pressure sensor and controller autonomously monitor syrup levels and communicate status to user devices, eliminating manual checking while maintaining reliable detection.
2Volume of stationary object
If syrup bags are stored in a separate room on a BIB rack, then beverage dispenser volume is reduced, but it makes monitoring difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring syrup bag pressure levels and automatically communicating status to workers via user devices. This allows syrup bags to be stored remotely in a separate room while maintaining ease of monitoring through automated alert generation when bags need replacement.
3Productivity
If the pump operates continuously on an empty syrup bag, then the pump runs unnecessarily, but this results in wasted carbon dioxide and unnecessary pump strokes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting empty syrup bags before the pump operates on them. The pressure sensor identifies when a syrup bag is empty, and the controller stops pump operation in advance, preventing wasted carbon dioxide consumption and unnecessary pump strokes that would occur if the pump continued running on empty bags.
4Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are installed in all syrup lines, then accurate monitoring is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by using a single pressure sensor that serves multiple functions: it monitors both syrup bag levels and carbon dioxide tank status. The controller distinguishes between the two monitoring purposes through logical analysis of pressure readings, eliminating the need for separate sensors while maintaining accurate measurement for both applications.
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 provides advanced notice for syrup bag replacement, reduces the risk of carbon dioxide tank depletion, and helps prevent continuous pump operation, thus conserving resources and extending equipment life.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure sensor is coupled to the syrup line and is configured to measure a pressure within the syrup line
Implementation Method 2
when the outlet nozzle is closed and the syrup bag is not empty, the pressure in the syrup line will be the same as the pressure of the carbon dioxide (i.e., the pressure in the syrup line will balance the pressure of the carbon dioxide)
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a sensor and a computing system. The sensor is coupled to a syrup line of the beverage dispenser and is configured to measure a pressure within the line. The syrup line is coupled at a first end to a syrup bag and at a second end to a pump configured to pump syrup from the syrup bag to an outlet of the beverage dispenser. The pump is operated using pressurized gas and generates a pressure corresponding to the pressure of the gas within the syrup line when both the syrup bag is full and the outlet of the beverage dispenser is closed. The sensor transmits a measured pressure to the computing system. The computing system determines that the measured pressure is less than a threshold pressure. In response, the processor transmits an alert for display on a user device, which identifies the syrup bag for replacement.