Weight-Feedback Slush Dispensing Device for Precise Cup Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices fail to accurately dose beverages or slush based on the changing capacity and weight of the cup due to factors like density variations, leading to potential overflow or underfilling.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing device equipped with a piston mechanism controlled by a stepper motor, a weight sensor, and a control logic unit that adjusts the slush flow based on real-time cup weight and stored data to ensure precise dosing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual dosing by operator is used, then flexibility in dosing is maintained, but dosing precision deteriorates due to human error and inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical dosing with an automated control system that uses a piston mechanism driven by a stepper motor. The control system monitors cup weight in real-time and automatically adjusts piston movement to achieve precise dosing, eliminating human error while maintaining operational simplicity through automated feedback control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a weight sensor continuously monitors the cup's weight during the dispensing process. The control system uses this real-time weight information to adjust the piston's position and control the slush flow, ensuring precise dosing that adapts to variations in cup weight and slush density.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed time-based dispensing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but dosing accuracy deteriorates due to density variations of slush
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dosing parameter from fixed time-based to weight-based control. The system monitors the actual weight of slush dispensed and adjusts the piston movement accordingly, accounting for density variations in the slush. This allows accurate dosing regardless of changes in slush density over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a weight sensor to provide real-time feedback on the cup's weight during dispensing. The control system processes this feedback to dynamically adjust the piston's position and control the flow, ensuring that the correct quantity of slush is dispensed based on actual weight rather than predetermined time intervals.
3Measurement precision
If piston movement is manually controlled, then ease of operation is maintained, but dosing precision deteriorates due to inability to respond to real-time cup weight changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service control system where the automated control unit continuously monitors cup weight and independently adjusts piston movement without operator intervention. The system serves itself by using the weight sensor feedback to automatically regulate the dispensing process, maintaining both precision and operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback loop where the weight sensor continuously measures cup weight and the control system automatically adjusts piston position based on this information. This closed-loop control eliminates the need for manual adjustment while maintaining precise dosing that responds to real-time weight changes.
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 device automatically adjusts slush dispensing to match the cup's capacity and weight, preventing overflow or underfilling by dynamically controlling the piston movement.
Implementation Method 1
a weight sensor by means of which the weight of the cup is detected during the dispensing of the slush
Implementation Method 2
a stepper motor by means of which the piston is moved in the conduit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dispensing device (1) for dispensing a beverage/slush. In particular, the dispensing device (1) is configured to automatically dose a beverage/slush over time with respect to the capacity of a cup (G) to be filled with said beverage/slush and to the weight of said cup (G) which changes over time, due to the quantity of beverage/slush that is received by said cup (G) over time with respect to a predetermined weight associated with a predetermined beverage/slush, corresponding to the beverage/slush dispensed by the dispensing device (1), and a predetermined capacity of a cup (G), corresponding to the capacity of the cup that receives said beverage/slush, wherein said predetermined beverage, said predetermined weight and said predetermined capacity are data stored in the dispensing device (1). The present invention also relates to a method for dispensing through said dispensing device.