Beverage Tapping Valve Gateway Control for Remote Multi-Valve Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for beverage dispensers require each tapping valve to be equipped with a transceiver device for communication with a telematic network, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A control system that utilizes a gateway device connected to the first tapping valve to receive and forward control signals from a telematic communication network to either the first or second tapping valve, eliminating the need for transceiver devices on each tapping valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each tapping valve is equipped with a transceiver device to communicate with the telematic network, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and construction cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transceiver devices into a single gateway device that serves all tapping valves. Instead of each valve having its own transceiver, the gateway consolidates the communication function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining communication reliability through centralized network connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway acts as an intermediary between the telematic network and the tapping valves. It receives control signals from the network and forwards them to the appropriate valve, eliminating the need for direct transceiver equipment at each valve while ensuring reliable communication through the intermediary's centralized connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If each tapping valve is equipped with a transceiver device, then communication capability is improved, but construction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the communication functionality of multiple valves into a single gateway device. This consolidation reduces the total number of transceiver devices needed, thereby lowering construction costs while preserving full communication capability across all tapping valves through the gateway's centralized interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device serves as a universal communication interface for all tapping valves, performing the function that would otherwise require individual transceivers at each valve. This multi-functional approach maintains communication capability while reducing overall system cost.
3Device complexity
If a gateway device is used to consolidate transceiver functions, then device complexity is reduced, but communication security requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway serves as a secure intermediary that controls all communication between the telematic network and tapping valves. By centralizing authentication and signal forwarding in the gateway, the system reduces device complexity at individual valves while concentrating security management in the intermediary, which can implement robust security protocols.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a control system for controlling one or more tapping valves included in a beverage dispenser (D). Said beverage dispenser (D) comprises a first tapping valve (V1) and a second tapping valve (V2) and each tapping valve (V1, V2) comprises a respective control logic unit (U1, U2) and respective storage means (SM1, SM2) in which a respective unique identification code and a respective set of parameters (PS1, PS2) are stored. Said control system comprises a telematic communication network (C) comprising a cloud server (SC) and a gateway (G) for selecting a tapping valve and connecting said telematics communication network (C) to the selected tapping valve. The cloud server (SC) is configured to send a control signal to the gateway (G) and the gateway (G) is configured to verify which tapping valve the control signal is directed to and forward the control signal to said tapping valve. The control logic unit (U1, U2) of each tapping valve (V1, V2) is configured to receive the control signal and execute a command and/or modify one or more parameters of a set of parameters (PS1, PS2) and/or add one or more further parameters to said set of parameters (PS1, PS2).