Non-Contact Thermal Flow Sensor for Beverage Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beverage dispensing systems face challenges with invasive flow measurement techniques that are not suitable for high-temperature liquids and require cleanable fluid paths, lacking non-contact thermal flow sensors effective for bulk dispensed pressurized beverages.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact thermal flow sensor system comprising a heater and temperature sensing element within a beverage dispensing conduit, with a computing device to calculate cumulative volume and control the dispensing process, accounting for temperature fluctuations and ensuring sanitary operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive flow measurement techniques are used, then measurement precision is improved, but the cleanable fluid path requirement is compromised and suitability for high-temperature liquids is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal conductor as an intermediary element that couples the heater to the conduit wall. This intermediary allows thermal energy to be transferred to the beverage without the sensor components directly contacting the fluid, thereby maintaining measurement precision while preserving the cleanable fluid path and enabling high-temperature liquid compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical flow measurement sensors with a non-contact thermal flow sensing system. By using thermal conduction through the conduit wall and thermal coupling elements, the system achieves accurate flow measurement without mechanical intrusion into the fluid path, eliminating contamination risks while maintaining measurement precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-contact thermal flow sensor is used, then cleanable fluid path is maintained and temperature range is expanded, but measurement precision for thermally conductive liquids is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a concentrated thermal coupling zone at a specific location on the conduit wall. The thermal conductor is positioned to make intimate contact with the conduit wall at a localized point, concentrating thermal energy transfer in a specific region to enhance measurement precision for thermally conductive liquids while maintaining the overall non-contact architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies thermal parameters by introducing a thermal conductor with specific thermal conductivity properties and adjusting the heater power and thermal coupling characteristics. These parameter changes optimize the thermal signal strength for thermally conductive liquids, improving measurement precision while preserving the expanded temperature range and sanitary operation capabilities
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 accurate, reliable, and cost-effective non-contact liquid flow measurement for thermally conductive beverages, maintaining cleanable fluid paths and preventing voids or trapped volumes, suitable for a wide temperature range.
Implementation Method 1
A heater is in physical and thermal communication with a sidewall of said beverage dispensing conduit
Implementation Method 2
A temperature sensing element is positioned distant from and downstream from said heater along said direction of fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal flow sensor is provide for beverage metering using a heater in physical and thermal communication the beverage dispensing conduit. A temperature sensing element is positioned distant from and downstream from said heater along said direction of fluid flow. A computing device controls the heater and the temperature sensing element and computes a cumulative total volume during a metering cycle. The computing of a cumulative total volume during a metering cycle may be adapted or approximated to account for residual changes in temperature of the conduit or thermal sensing element metering cycles. Flow measurement is thereby without direct physical contact with the beverage itself, thereby providing cleanable fluid paths within the beverage conduit that limits or eliminate voids or trapped volumes. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.