Water distribution system for a beverage dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available beverage dispensers are large, complex, and expensive due to their reliance on pumps and flow control devices, which can lead to inaccuracies in fluid mixing and require frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A water distribution system with flow control passages and preset flow rates, utilizing mechanical flow controllers and valves to manage water flow without the need for expensive pumps, allowing for accurate and reliable fluid mixing in beverage dispensers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pumps and flow control devices are used to distribute fluids in beverage dispensers, then accurate flow rates and fluid mixing can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes pumps from the beverage dispenser system entirely, extracting the flow control function from active mechanical devices to passive flow control members. The flow control members are positioned in the fluid pathways to naturally regulate flow rates through their physical geometry and positioning, eliminating the need for complex pumping mechanisms while maintaining accurate fluid distribution and mixing ratios.
2Reliability
If pumps and flow control devices are installed in beverage dispensers, then predetermined flow rates can be provided, but maintenance requirements and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control members are designed to automatically regulate fluid flow without requiring external control systems or active components. They self-adjust based on their physical properties and positioning within the fluid pathway, providing consistent predetermined flow rates without needing electrical power, electronic controls, or complex mechanical actuation systems that would require maintenance.
3Productivity
If large volume dispensing capability is implemented in beverage dispensers, then commercial outlet requirements are met, but dispenser size and component complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid distribution system into multiple separate fluid pathways, each with its own flow control member. This segmentation allows the dispenser to handle large total volumes by distributing fluid through multiple parallel channels rather than requiring a single large-capacity pump or channel, thereby maintaining compact overall dispenser size while achieving high productivity through coordinated flow from multiple pathways.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a water distribution system with a flow of water therethrough. The water distribution system may include one or more water lines, a number of flow control passages in communication with the one or more water lines, a number of flow controllers with a number of preset flow rates positioned about the flow control passages, and a number of flow control valves positioned about the flow control passages such that opening one of the flow control valves allows the flow of water to flow through one of the flow control passages with the preset flow rate.