Vending Machine Water Distributor With Rod-Based Outlet Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water dispensers in instant beverage vending machines face issues with lime buildup and coffee grounds interfering with electrovalves, leading to watertightness problems and uncertainty in valve operation based on user selection.
Innovation Solution
A water dispenser design featuring a movable rod with narrowing sections and O-ring watertightness means, allowing precise control of water flow through multiple channels without the need for pressurization or active elements like springs, and incorporating detection means for accurate beverage selection alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrovalves are used to control water flow channels, then water dispensing control is achieved, but lime buildup and coffee grounds interfere with valve operation causing watertightness problems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the electrovalve component from the system entirely. Instead of using electrovalves to control water flow, the patent employs a passive distribution system where water flows through multiple channels simultaneously, and the selected beverage channel is activated through a different mechanism that does not involve valves susceptible to contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (a movable element within the selected channel) that controls water flow to the chosen beverage channel without requiring traditional electrovalves. This intermediary system is less susceptible to lime and coffee ground interference.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrovalves are positioned to control multiple channels, then beverage selection capability is improved, but particles deposited on closing surfaces prevent normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic electrovalve closing mechanism from the system. The new design uses a passive multi-channel distribution system where water flows to multiple channels, and selection is achieved through a different mechanism that does not rely on valve closing surfaces that can be blocked by particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic, movable element within the selected channel that can be positioned to allow or block water flow. This movable component replaces the static electrovalve closing mechanism and is designed to be less susceptible to particle interference.
3Measurement precision
If detection means are added to ensure accurate beverage selection alignment, then selection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection and alignment systems with a simpler mechanism. The movable element within the selected channel provides inherent alignment and positioning functionality through its design, eliminating the need for additional detection means while maintaining selection accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Water distributor comprising: a first hot water inlet pipe with two outlets; a second pipe with first inlets, each of them being connected to the corresponding first outlet by means of a third pipe, said second pipe further comprising several second outlets; a rod having at least one narrowing and sliding within said second pipe by action of some actuating means; and water tightness means situated on both sides of each of the second outlets. The positioning of the narrowing of the rod with respect of the water tightness means of each outlet determines whether water will be allowed to flow through said outlet or not. Advantage: guaranteeing that the opening and closure of the different water outlets correspond with the selection made by the user.