IoT Tap Piping Monitoring for Remote Flow and Sanitation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing restaurant and brewing equipment technologies rely on analogue-mechanical principles, lacking automation, intelligent sensors, and remote monitoring capabilities, making it difficult to efficiently manage and regulate tap and cooling equipment.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing IoT technologies with sensors like ultrasonic flowmeters, thermometers, and pressure sensors connected to a processing unit with a database for remote data management and visualization, enabling remote monitoring, automation, and energy savings through intelligent control of cooling units and sanitation processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If analogue-mechanical monitoring systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but remote monitoring capability and automation are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces analogue-mechanical monitoring systems with electronic sensors and digital communication systems. Sensors (temperature, humidity, flow, pressure) convert physical parameters into electrical signals that are transmitted via WiFi/GSM to remote servers, enabling automated monitoring without mechanical linkages or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote server as an intermediary between the monitoring sensors and the user. The server receives data from multiple sensors, processes it, and provides remote access through web interfaces and mobile applications, mediating the complex data handling while keeping individual sensor units simple.
2Productivity
If remote monitoring is implemented, then operational efficiency improves, but data transmission and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor parameters, transmit data to the server, and enable automated responses. For example, temperature deviations trigger alerts or automated cooling adjustments, creating closed-loop control that improves operational efficiency while managing data through structured feedback mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary data processing and filtering at the sensor level before transmission, and pre-configures alert thresholds and response protocols on the server side. This preliminary organization of data reduces the management burden during operational phases.
3Measurement precision
If intelligent sensors and automation are added, then monitoring precision increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring system into independent, modular sensor units, each responsible for a specific parameter (temperature, humidity, flow, pressure). Each unit is a self-contained module with its own sensor, processor, and communication capability, allowing precise monitoring while maintaining simplicity through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor units are designed with universal interfaces and protocols (WiFi, GSM) that allow the same hardware platform to monitor multiple different parameters by simply changing the sensor element. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision across different measurement types.
4Reliability
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then quality control improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling of monitoring parameters rather than truly continuous monitoring. Sensors take measurements at configured intervals (e.g., every few seconds or minutes), transmitting data periodically to the server. This maintains adequate quality control for detecting trends and anomalies while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous real-time monitoring.
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 enhances operational efficiency by allowing remote monitoring and management of tap and cooling equipment, ensuring high-quality draught beverages, reducing energy consumption, and lowering maintenance costs through automated sanitation and intelligent control.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasonic flowmeter preferably has support for automatic detection of performed sanitation of the tap piping
Implementation Method 2
Sensors include an ultrasonic flow meter, mechanical flow meter, probe thermometer for accurate temperature monitoring inside a bundle of pipes for draught beverage distribution
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for monitoring and regulating restaurant equipment and monitoring the condition of tap piping including at least one main unit (47) comprising a main processor (6), wherein the main unit (47) is connected to at least one sensor selected from a group consisting of a probe thermometer, ultrasonic flowmeter, mechanical flowmeter, thermometer, pressure sensor, wherein at least one main unit (47) is connected to a processing unit (41) comprising a database (42), wherein the processing unit (41) is implemented for processing data from individual main units (47) and for storing data and accessing stored data, and provided with tools for remote data management and visualization.