Automated Beverage Production Device and Automatic Tapioca Pearl Extrusion Machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in the beverage industry is to achieve uniform distribution and precise control of tapioca pearls in beverages, as they tend to stick together and form clumps, leading to uneven distribution and inconsistent flavor, which traditional manual methods fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
An automated beverage production device incorporating an automatic tapioca pearl extrusion machine with a linear stepper motor, conical casing, and weight sensing module, which ensures even distribution by using a motor shaft connected to an extrusion block and conical casing with decreasing through-holes, and a microcontroller for precise control based on cup weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If tapioca pearls are stored in one place for too long, then they form dense clumps, but this leads to uneven distribution and degraded texture in the beverage
Solution Approach 1:
The conical casing divides the pearl storage space into multiple compartments with through-holes, creating separate flow paths that prevent pearls from clumping together. Each through-hole acts as an independent channel that distributes pearls separately into the beverage cup, ensuring uniform distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical casing with through-holes serves as an intermediary structure between the pearl storage chamber and the beverage cup. It mediates the pearl flow by controlling and distributing them through multiple small openings, preventing direct contact and clumping while maintaining even distribution.
2Measurement precision
If manual scooping methods are used, then operation is simple, but precise control of pearl quantity cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a weight sensing module that automatically detects the weight of the beverage cup and calculates the required pearl quantity. The microcontroller then automatically controls the motor to extrude the precise amount of pearls needed, eliminating the need for manual measurement and scooping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight sensing module provides real-time feedback on the beverage cup weight to the microcontroller, which adjusts the pearl extrusion quantity accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures precise control of pearl quantity while automating the entire process.
3Productivity
If automated equipment is introduced, then productivity and consistency improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor shaft serves multiple functions: it rotates to drive the extrusion block forward for pearl dispensing, and its rotation can be controlled to adjust the extrusion speed and quantity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing device complexity while maintaining automation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system combines the weight sensing module, microcontroller, and motor into an integrated automated control unit. This merging of components streamlines the automation system, reducing overall complexity while achieving precise pearl quantity control and consistent beverage production.
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 solution ensures uniform distribution and precise control of tapioca pearls, enhancing the texture and flavor consistency of beverages, improving efficiency and reducing labor costs in beverage preparation.
Implementation Method 1
The motor is a linear stepper motor
Implementation Method 2
each through-hole's cross-sectional area in the conical casing decreases from the inner wall to the outer wall
Implementation Method 3
a weight sensing module, and a microcontroller
Data Source
AI summary
Automated beverage production device designed to add a predetermined amount of tapioca pearls to a beverage cup is provided and includes automatic tapioca pearl extrusion machine, weight sensing module, and microcontroller. The automatic tapioca pearl extrusion machine includes motor, motor shaft, main housing, and conical casing. One end of the motor shaft is rotatably connected to the motor, and the other end is connected to an extrusion block. The main housing includes an accommodation space where the extrusion block is located, with the extrusion block's cross-sectional shape corresponding to that of the accommodation space. The conical casing covers the bottom of the main housing and features multiple through-holes. The beverage cup is placed on the weight sensing module, and the microcontroller is electrically connected to the motor and the weight sensing module. The tapioca pearls are positioned within the accommodation space, situated between the extrusion block and the conical casing.