System and method for dispensing precise temperature controlled hot water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack the capability to precisely dispense hot water at varying temperatures and volumes for preparing different types of teas and other beverages, which is essential for optimal brewing, and existing solutions like tea bags or pods are inconvenient and less preferred due to storage issues and limited quantity flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A container and dispenser system that includes a dual tank hot water system with temperature and volume control, allowing for the precise dispensing of hot water and loose materials like tea, using a user interface for selection and an electronic controller to manage the dispensing process, including a mechanism for measuring and loading the correct amount of tea and water based on user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional hot water dispensing methods are used, then simplicity and low cost are maintained, but temperature precision and beverage quality are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the hot water storage into multiple temperature zones (first hot water tank for lower temperature, second hot water tank for higher temperature). This segmentation allows precise temperature control for different beverage types without requiring a single complex heating system, resolving the contradiction between temperature precision and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and mixes water from different temperature tanks based on the required temperature for each beverage type. The controller adjusts the mixing ratio in real-time to achieve precise temperature control, maintaining simplicity while improving temperature precision through dynamic adaptation.
2Productivity
If tea bags or pods are used, then preparation speed is improved, but storage convenience and quantity flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically measures and dispenses the correct amount of loose tea leaves based on the selected beverage type and quantity, eliminating the need for manual measurement. This self-service approach maintains fast preparation speed while providing flexibility in beverage quantity and type selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to select from multiple beverage types and quantities, with the controller automatically adjusting the dispensing parameters (amount of tea leaves, water volume, temperature) to match the selection. This parameter adaptation provides both speed and flexibility.
3Reliability
If loose leaf tea is used with manual preparation, then quality and freshness are maintained, but preparation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical preparation (hand-measuring, pouring, timing) with automated electronic control. The controller manages the entire dispensing process, from measuring tea leaves to dispensing water at the correct temperature and volume, maintaining quality consistency while dramatically reducing preparation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-heats water in separate tanks to different temperatures in advance, so when a beverage is ordered, the water is already at the required temperature and can be dispensed immediately. This preliminary preparation eliminates waiting time while maintaining quality.
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
Enables rapid and convenient preparation of beverages by ensuring the correct temperature and volume of hot water are dispensed for different types of teas, improving efficiency and consistency in beverage production while maintaining the freshness of loose materials.
Implementation Method 1
a first water tank which maintains water at a first elevated temperature and a second water tank which maintains water at a second temperature which is higher than the first temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser for dispensing a selected volume of water at a specified temperature. The dispenser includes a source of water at an elevated temperature and a source of water at a lower temperature. An electronic controller determines the volume of water needed from each source in order to arrive at the selected volume and temperature. The dispenser uses a recirculation valve to circulate at least the elevated temperature water in the tank and in the outlet in order to ensure the temperature of the water is as expected throughout the system to achieve the specified temperature.