Touch Screen Beverage Dispenser with Reconfigurable Control Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensers lack adaptability, making it difficult to change the number of keys on the interface device and reprogram beverages without manually altering the device or switching syrups, leading to inflexibility in managing beverage options and inventory.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable control system with a control panel that allows for user customization of beverage combinations, featuring a control unit with sensing regions and reconfigurable switches, enabling the selection and sequencing of beverage fluids to accommodate various options and prevent cross-contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed interface device with predetermined buttons is used, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to change beverage options is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel transitions from a static fixed-button design to a dynamic reconfigurable design where sensing regions can be programmatically assigned to different beverage options. The control unit stores multiple control panel configurations and can switch between them, allowing the interface to adapt to different beverage menus without physical modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the functional parameters of the control panel by allowing software-based reconfiguration of button mappings. Different control panel configurations can be loaded to change which sensing regions correspond to which beverages, enabling flexible adaptation to inventory changes and seasonal offerings.
2Ease of operation
If manual reconfiguration of interface devices is required to change beverages, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation for beverage management is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service reconfiguration through automated control panel configuration changes. The control unit can automatically load appropriate control panel configurations based on stored settings, eliminating the need for manual physical reconfiguration of buttons or switches by operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical reconfiguration operations with electronic/software-based control. The control unit uses electronic signals to reassign sensing regions to different beverages through stored configurations, substituting physical button reassignment with digital parameter changes.
3Reliability
If separate nozzles are used for different beverages, then cross-contamination is prevented, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system segments the dispensing process into controlled phases using sequential valve activation. Different beverage components are dispensed through controlled timing sequences that prevent mixing, allowing a single nozzle to function as multiple specialized nozzles through temporal separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic dispensing cycles with distinct phases for different beverage components. Valves are activated in specific sequences during each dispensing cycle, creating periodic action patterns that ensure complete dispensing of one beverage component before transitioning to the next, preventing cross-contamination.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed number of beverage options are programmed, then the control system is simple, but the adaptability to inventory changes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed with universal functionality to support multiple control panel configurations for different beverage menus. A single control unit can adapt to various inventory scenarios by loading different configuration sets, making the system universally applicable to different establishment requirements without needing specialized hardware for each beverage type.
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 increased flexibility for vendors and customers by allowing easy reconfiguration of beverage options, reducing inventory needs and preventing cross-contamination through precise control of fluid sequencing and flow termination.
Implementation Method 1
A touch screen interface for a beverage dispensing machine is disclosed. The interface includes a display and a plurality of sensing regions arranged in a grid pattern on the display
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage dispensing system including a control unit and a touch screen. Inputs are made to the touch screen to dispense beverages and apply system adjustments. The control unit controls a plurality of beverage dispensing valves according to inputs made to the touch screen.