Weight-Sensed Ice and Beverage Dispensing for Compact Drink Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional beverage dispensers require significant storage space for large bag-in-box containers of beverage bases, limiting the variety of options and efficiency in quick service environments, whereas micro-ingredient technology offers a more compact solution but needs integration for behind-the-counter applications.
Innovation Solution
An automated beverage dispenser system incorporating an ice dispensing station with a weight sensor and a control device that uses a load cell to determine the weight of a cup, allowing for precise dispensing of ice and beverage, enabling multiple options without extensive storage requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If large bag-in-box containers of beverage bases are used, then beverage variety and storage capacity are improved, but storage space requirements and distance from dispenser increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage base is divided into micro-ingredients that can be stored in small individual packages within the dispenser, eliminating the need for large bag-in-box containers and extensive backroom storage
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple small ingredient containers are nested within the dispenser unit itself, allowing the system to hold multiple beverage options in a compact footprint without requiring separate storage rooms
2Quantity of substance
If multiple bag-in-box containers are positioned away from dispenser, then storage capacity is improved, but service time and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple beverage ingredients are pre-loaded into the dispenser at the beginning of the service period, allowing rapid dispensing of various beverages without needing to retrieve additional containers during service
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser automatically manages ingredient dispensing and tracking, eliminating the need for manual intervention to retrieve and change large beverage containers during service operations
3Measurement precision
If weight sensor and automated control are added, then dispensing precision and customization are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weight sensor provides real-time feedback to the control device, which automatically adjusts dispensing parameters to achieve precise beverage composition and portion control without requiring complex manual calibration
Solution Approach 2:
Manual measurement and dispensing control are replaced with automated electronic sensing and control systems, simplifying the operator's task while improving precision and consistency
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 efficiently dispenses a predetermined amount of ice and beverage into a cup, providing fast and customizable service with reduced storage needs, accommodating various beverage options and minimizing storage space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a weight sensor for fast and efficient service
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides an automated beverage dispenser for dispensing a beverage and ice into a cup. The automated beverage dispenser may include an ice dispensing station with an ice auger and a weight sensor, a beverage dispensing station, and a control device. The control device instructs the ice auger to fill the cup with a predetermined amount of ice and instructs the beverage dispensing station to fill the cup with a predetermined amount of the beverage in response to a weight of the cup as determined by the weight sensor.