Syrup Pump Reed Switch Control for Overpressure Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post-mix beverage dispensers often feature complex and expensive syrup pumps with programmable circuit boards and sensors, which are more costly and complicated than desired.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically simple and cost-effective syrup pump system utilizing a pump housing, motor, plunger mechanism, reed switch, and circuit board, which includes a pumping mechanism driven by a motor and controlled by a reed switch to manage fluid pressure and prevent overpressure, featuring a gear pump design with intermeshed gears and a controller for starting and stopping the pump motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sophisticated syrup pumps with programmable circuit boards, processors, sensors, and transducers are used, then measurement precision and control capability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensors, transducers, and programmable circuit boards with a simple magnetic field-based reed switch mechanism. A magnet attached to the plunger actuates the reed switch through magnetic field interaction, eliminating the need for complex electronic measurement systems while maintaining effective pressure monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger itself serves dual functions: it performs the pumping action and simultaneously acts as the actuating element for the pressure sensing mechanism through its attached magnet. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate sensors and transducers, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
2Device complexity
If reed switch pressure sensing mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary element that couples the mechanical plunger motion to the reed switch activation. This intermediary allows the simple reed switch mechanism to accurately detect pressure conditions by translating plunger position into magnetic field changes, maintaining measurement precision without requiring complex electronics
3Adaptability or versatility
If programmable controllers and multiple sensors are implemented, then control capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes complex programmable controllers, processors, and multiple sensors from the system, retaining only the essential reed switch mechanism for pressure sensing. This extraction eliminates unnecessary complexity and cost while preserving the core control capability needed for syrup pump operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive reed switches and simple magnetic components instead of expensive programmable controllers and sophisticated sensor arrays. These simple components achieve the necessary control functionality at a fraction of the cost of complex electronic systems
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 a low-cost, intuitive, and effective syrup pump operation, ensuring reliable fluid delivery and preventing overpressure through a mechanically simple design with a reed switch mechanism, while maintaining operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A reed switch, which is movable between a first and a second position, is disposed adjacent the path of the plunger magnet along the cylindrical space
Implementation Method 2
A spring is disposed within the cylindrical space adjacent the plunger. The spring exerts a biasing force pushing the plunger away from the spring
Implementation Method 3
The plunger head is in contact with a quantity of the fluid at the second pressure so that the fluid exerts a force pushing the plunger into the cylindrical space
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage syrup pump system is disclosed including a pump housing having an internal pumping chamber, a pump motor, and a pumping mechanism driven by the motor within the pumping chamber. The pumping mechanism receives a syrup fluid at a first pressure and discharges the fluid at a second pressure which is greater than the first pressure. Connected to the pumping chamber is a cylindrical space with a spring and a plunger having a magnet. The plunger is in contact with a quantity of the fluid at a second pressure and moves along the cylindrical space against the biasing force of the spring. Once the second pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure, the corresponding fluid pressure in the cylindrical space exerts enough force on the plunger to move it past a predetermined point within the cylindrical space such that the magnet causes a reed switch in a first position switch to move to a second position and send a signal to a controller. The controller will immediately stop the pump motor if it receives the signal from the reed switch, or if a timer sends a signal indicating the pump has been running for a predetermined maximum run time.