Touch Screen Interface for Reconfigurable Beverage Dispenser Control
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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 inefficiencies when adding or removing beverage options.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable control system with a control panel that allows for user-defined button configurations, enabling the selection of customized beverages by sequencing the dispensing of beverage fluids and incorporating a touch screen interface for easy modification and customization.
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 interface device transitions from a static fixed-button design to a dynamic reconfigurable design where buttons can be programmatically assigned to different beverages. The control system allows dynamic reconfiguration of button functions through software programming, enabling the same physical interface to adapt to different beverage menus without hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface device is designed to serve multiple beverage configurations through a single universal hardware platform. The control system can be programmed to assign different beverages to buttons, allowing one interface device to universally handle various beverage options across different establishments and configurations.
2Ease of operation
If manual reconfiguration of interface device is required to change beverages, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation for adding/removing beverages is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The control system enables self-service reconfiguration where the interface device can be programmatically updated to reflect changes in beverage availability. The system automatically manages button assignments and can interface with inventory tracking to update beverage options without requiring manual physical reconfiguration of the interface device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical reconfiguration of buttons with an electronic/software-based system. The control system uses electronic programming to assign beverages to buttons, substituting the need for physical button reassignment or device replacement with software configuration changes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If separate nozzles are used for different beverages, then cross-contamination is prevented, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic flushing cycles where the beverage delivery system is automatically flushed between different beverage dispensing operations. This periodic cleaning action prevents cross-contamination by clearing residual beverages from the delivery system, allowing a single nozzle to safely handle multiple beverages without requiring separate nozzles for each beverage type.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the number of buttons is fixed during installation, then the manufacturing and installation process is simple, but the adaptability to changing beverage menus is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device is designed with dynamic reconfigurability, allowing the number and function of buttons to be changed through software programming rather than requiring physical hardware changes. This enables the same manufactured device to adapt to different beverage menu requirements without requiring custom manufacturing for each configuration.
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.