Patent Application
20240184314
Fluid pumps and systems. More specifically, adjustable fluid pumps and systems for beverages.
Customized beverages can be created by adding different quantities of sauces, syrups, and flavors to a base beverage, such as coffee or tea. Sauces, syrups and flavors are currently dispensed using disposable mechanical pumps as shown in
Various embodiments are depicted in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the scope of the embodiments. Furthermore, various features of different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments, which are part of this disclosure.
Coffee or tea beverages usually have a base of coffee or tea extracts mixed with dairy enhanced by a variety of textures, tastes, flavors, colors and/or aromas. One can create different textures, tastes, flavors, colors and aromas by adding different quantities of ingredients or modifiers (e.g., sauces, syrups and flavors) or adding the same ingredients or modifiers in different sequences. For example, to create a menu offering of 70 handcrafted coffee beverages, there may be 10 flavors, 2 syrups and 7 sauces. Flavors are usually alcohol based. Examples of some flavors are vanilla, toffee nut, and hazelnut. Sauces are usually multiple ingredients blended together in a water solution. Examples of some sauces are white chocolate mocha, chai and mocha. Syrups are usually liquid forms of sugar or sugar-free substitutes.
Currently, flavors, sauces, and syrups are dispensed using disposable mechanical pumps as shown in
An aspect of the present disclosure is the recognition that sauces and syrups sometimes include natural ingredients that are agricultural commodities/crops. Often agricultural crops yield different characteristics from year to year, or even from production lot to lot. Many agricultural crops have differences in the source (for example sugar; beat, cane, etc.) and differences in the processing that contribute to inconsistency in final raw material. Inconsistencies in raw materials can impact fluid formulas via specific gravity, viscosity, etc.
The changing characteristics described above can make it difficult to accurately dose/fill/dispense these fluids in an open system. An open system that includes a predetermined pump speed (power, current) and duration that can be provided to yield a desired dose. But such systems may not include real time feedback to system. This methodology is adequate when a used medium is known, however other systems may be desired to address changing medium characteristics.
Various sauces, syrups, and other liquids used to build beverages can have a variety of viscosities. Viscosity can vary between different types of fluids used as ingredients to build a single beverage. For example, syrup can have a different viscosity from milk. Further, viscosity of a single type of liquid can vary within a container. For example, a syrup may have a greater viscosity at a bottom of a surrounding container than at the top of the container due to settling of the fluid. A syrup may also have a greater viscosity as it sets over time. A recipe for a syrup may also change over time resulting in changes in viscosity or other characteristics of the medium. In automated systems, this difference in viscosity can cause a pump to expel inconsistent volumes of fluid over time as the energy required to expel a viscous fluid from a pump is greater than the energy required to expel a less viscous fluid under uniform conditions. In order to dispense a consistent volume of liquid for a beverage, a pump system according to the present disclosure can use various systems and methods to compensate for variations in viscosity over time and among fluids.
As such, it may be desired to expel fluid into a container at a consistent volume flow rate to provide a consistent volume of fluid into the beverage over a given time. Additionally, in beverage applications where the fluid is being distributed in discrete portions, it can be advantageous to maintain a consistent volume flow rate among distributions, to ensure each portion or dose has a consistent amount of fluid. Manual systems such as the pumps shown in
In accordance with several embodiments, the systems described herein advantageously automate the dispensing of ingredients, modifiers or enhancers (e.g., sauces, syrups, flavors, tastes, colors, reductions). Various devices, systems, and methods are provided for pumping fluid or fluids having a plurality of viscosities (or changes in viscosities over time) at a substantially uniform volume flow rate. The systems and methods described herein provide a pump system that is configured to adjust an output volume flow rate to compensate for increased and decreased viscosities in a fluid pumped therethrough. The system is configured to use data and correlations determined from previous pumping to maintain a substantially uniform volume flow rate. In some examples, the data and correlations can include relating one or more of electrical current, pressure data, and air displacement, with flow rate data.
As described above, in some examples, the system utilizes continuous pumping, and in some examples, the system utilizes discrete pumping. In systems utilizing continuous pumping, the system uses pumping data from an earlier point in time. For example, the system can use electrical current, pressure (pump inlet or outlet, and/or air displacement (from the pump) from a determined time period (e.g., 2s, 5s, 10s, 30s, etc.) to determine current pumping parameters. In systems where the pump utilizes discrete pumping, the system uses data from previous pump sequences to determine pumping parameters. For example, the system can use electrical current, pressure (pump inlet or outlet, and/or air displacement (from the pump) from one or more previous pumping sequences to estimate an appropriate pump speed and/or duration to expel a desired volume of fluid. In example systems utilizing continuous pumping, this determination of pumping parameters provides a means for the system to substantially maintain a desired output volume flow rate. In the example utilizing discrete pumping, this configuration provides a means for subsequent discrete pump sequences to expel fluid at a desired volume flow rate, such that the pump expels substantially uniform volumes of fluid per pumping sequence. In some examples, pumping data can be stored and correlated with certain conditions to inform future pumping sequences. For example, data reflecting a particular current load characteristics (e.g., rate of change) can be correlated with a certain corresponding working fluid viscosity. As such, the data can be referenced and used later to provide desired pumping characteristics.
The pump 302 is provided to transfer fluid from a fluid reservoir to a container such as a cup or a mixing apparatus. In the example shown in
As described above, in some examples, the pump is a continuous flow pump, but in other examples the pump is a reciprocating pump such as a diaphragm pump or a peristaltic pump. The pump 302 can be driven using an electric motor. In examples including a reciprocating pump, the pump can be motor driven such that the motor sequentially depresses and releases the pump to expel fluid periodically. For example, a motor used to depress the pump can include a camming feature that extends from a rotating of the motor shaft perpendicular to a central axis of the shaft such that as the motor rotates, the camming feature depresses the pump at least once per full rotation of the motor.
In some examples, the system 300 further includes a fluid reservoir. In some examples, the inlet of the pump 302 is fluidically coupled to the fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir can be provided to hold a desired fluid to be drawn into the inlet of the pump 302 and expelled through the pump 302. In some examples, the fluid reservoir is a plastic container, or any other container suitable to hold perishable edible liquids. The fluid reservoir can be fluidically sealed with the inlet of the pump 302, such that the pump 302 can form a vacuum to extract fluid from the fluid reservoir. Output from the pump can be delivered to a nozzle for delivering the contents of the pump to a beverage container.
The current measurement device 304 is provided to determine an electrical current applied to the pump 302 at a given time. The current measurement device 304 receives current input such that the current provided to the pump 302 is the substantially the same as current that is provided to the current measurement device 304. As such, the current measurement device 304 provides a mechanism for the system 300 to monitor current, which can be used to determine the power and duration expended to move the fluid through the pump 302. Further this power determination can be correlated or used in conjunction with additional data such as data from one or more of the pressure sensors 308, 310 (discussed in further detail below). The current measurement device 304 is configured to measure the current and transmit the current measurement to the controller 306 (described in further detail below) in real time. As such, as the current provided to the pump 302 changes, the current measurement device 304 transmits the changes in current to the controller 306 such that the controller 306 can perform various functions based on the changes in current. For example, the controller 306 can send a control signal to the pump 302, correlate the current measurement with predetermined data such as fluid working viscosities, correlate the current measurement with other measured parameters such as volume flow rate, air displacement, inlet pressure, and outlet pressure. Although the current measurement device 304 is configured to measure the current and transmit the current measurement to the controller 306 in real time, in some examples, a current measurement device can be used that transmits measurements to various receivers at various time intervals. For example, the current measurement device 304 can transmit the current measurement to a remote server to correlate with corresponding data or use the current measurement as training data for machine learning.
In the example of
As described above, in some examples the system 300 as shown in
The pressure entering or expelled from the pump 302 can vary as the pump 302 receives power having various levels of current. The pressure of fluid expelled from the pump 302 also varies as properties of the fluid being expelled from the pump 302 differ. For example, a highly viscous fluid may be expelled using a certain amount of energy. The highly viscous fluid may be expelled at a different pressure than a fluid of a lower viscosity using the same amount of energy. The pressure measurement device 311 can measure this pressure at a given time. The pressure measurement device can further transmit the fluid pressure to the controller 306. In the example shown in
The controller 306 is provided to at least in part to adjust a pump operating parameter (e.g., pump operating speed and/or duration) so as to control flow rate through the pump 302. In some examples, the controller 306 can determine a fluid flow rate of fluid expelled from the pump 302 and determine the viscosity of the fluid based on the measured current and/or a pressure measurement. The controller 306 is also provided to control the pump operating speed and/or pump duration 302 at a given time to control the fluid flow rate of the fluid that is expelled from the pump 302. For example, based on the measured electrical current and/or pressure, the controller 306 can determine that a working fluid in the pump 302 has an increased viscosity. The controller 306 can determine to increase the pump operating speed and/or duration to maintain a desired volume delivered from the pump 302. In some examples, the controller 306 can determine working fluid characteristics based on correlation of current data and/or pressure data to a table that includes working fluid attributes. In some examples, the controller 306 can send a signal to the pump 302 to increase the amount of power provided to the pump 302 in response to the electrical current and/or pressure measurement signals. The controller 306 can then maintain the amount of power steadily until the controller 306 receives an indication from the current and/or pressure measurement device which measures that the fluid is being pumped at a second flow rate different from the first flow rate. The controller 306 can then send a signal to increase the amount of power provided to the pump 302 until the flow rate is at a desired flow rate. The controller 306 can determine the amount of power provided and determine to use that amount of power for subsequent pumping.
The controller 306 can continue to implement at least one of the sequences described above to cause fluid to be pumped at a substantially uniform volume flow rate. In some examples as described above, the pump 302 distributes fluid in discrete sequences such as in a pump operating for predetermined time intervals. As such, the controller 306 can determine the fluid flow rate and energy output per pump sequence and adjust the energy supplied to the pump 302 such that subsequent sequences are provided with satisfactory power to maintain a fluid flow rate at a given viscosity. The parameters provided can be used to preset future sequences of this or different systems in the future. For example, certain parameters can be associated with a certain fluid type as described above. As such, the system 300 can be adjusted to desired parameters when current input correlates with an associated fluid type that is to be pumped therethrough. For example, in example systems including dispensers having a sensing or reading device that can identify the ingredient being loaded into the modular dispenser, the controller 306 can determine a desired current to supply to the pump 302 based on predetermined data, or data received from the flow sensors and/or the current measurement device 304. As such, the system can adapt to preemptively accommodate the fluid to be expelled from the pump 302.
The inlet pressure shown in
In the example shown in
At 602 The controller 306 sends a control signal to a pump 302 to expel fluid at a first flow rate at least in part by causing the pump 302 to receive a first electrical load.
The first electrical load is a predetermined electrical load estimated to expel an intended fluid from the pump 302 at a desired volume flow rate. For example, the electrical load can be determined to pump syrup at a flow rate sufficient to fill one fluid ounce per second. But in other examples, the controller 306 sends a control signal to a power source to cause the pump to expel fluid from the outlet at a non-fluid specific flow rate that can be adjusted over time.
At 604, the controller 306 monitors an electrical load of a motor of the pump 304. The controller 306 receives data from the electrical current measuring device 304, which indicates the flow of current to the pump 302 as described above. The electrical load can be measured in real time to indicate changes in current supplied to the pump 302.
At 606 the controller 306 sends a control signal to the pump 302 to expel fluid at the first flow rate at least in part by causing the pump 302 to receive a second electrical load different from the first electrical load. The second electrical load is an electrical load estimated to expel an intended fluid from the pump 302 at a volume flow rate substantially the same as the first volume flow rate. For example, the second electrical load can be determined to pump syrup at a flow rate sufficient to fill one fluid ounce per second based on a working fluid that has different fluid properties than the working fluid that was pumped using the first electrical load.
As described above, in some examples the system 300 can utilize at least one sensor such as one of the fluid flow rate measurement device 311 and air displacement measurement device 313 to provide additional measurement accuracy and/or capability. In some examples, the controller 306 determines a pump flow rate based at least in part on the pump input pressure measurement and the pump output pressure measurement. As described above, the controller 306 can calculate the flow rate of fluid expelled through the pump 302 based on the difference between inlet pressure and outlet pressure. The controller 306 determines that a dynamic flow rate of the fluid expelled from the pump is different from the first flow rate. In some examples, the controller 306 can also determine the pump flow rate based at least in part on displacement of air at the inlet or outlet of the pump 302. In some examples, the controller 306 determines viscosity of working fluid in the pump 302 based on a combination of the fluid flow rate and the measured electrical load as described above. The controller 306 can modify the determinations of input data and input parameters to the pump 302 based on viscosity data. As such, the electrical load and/or run time applied to the pump 302 can be adjusted to compensate for a change in viscosity in the fluid.
In some examples, the controller 306 receives updated electrical input data comprising an electrical input measurement for the second electrical load. The controller 306 can then determine to use the second electrical load for subsequent pumping sequences to cause the fluid to be expelled at the first fluid flow rate. In some examples, the controller 306 can cause the pump 302 to stop expelling fluid and end a first pumping cycle. The controller 306 can then cause the pump 302 to re-start expelling fluid in a second pumping cycle using previously measured parameters such as the second electrical load. In some examples, the system 300 can store and/or transmit data to a processor which can correlate or use this data in future pumping cycles to compensate for determined fluids having determined viscosities. In some examples, the processor is a local processor, and in other examples, the processor is a remote processor.
Although certain embodiments have been described herein in connection with flavors, sauces, or syrups for coffee or tea beverages, the systems described herein can be used for any type of ingredient or food product. For example, in some embodiments, the systems herein can be used to deliver fluid or solid ingredients, such as ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, cheese sauce, relish, onions, etc. In some embodiments, the systems herein can be used to produce other types of beverages such as sodas, juices, smoothies, milkshakes, etc.
Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that some embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, blocks, and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.
Depending on the embodiment, certain acts, events, or functions of any of the processes or algorithms described herein can be performed in a different sequence, can be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g., not all described operations or events are necessary for the practice of the algorithm). Moreover, in certain embodiments, operations or events can be performed concurrently.
The various illustrative logical blocks, modular dispensers, routines, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modular dispensers, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. The described functionality can be implemented in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the disclosure.
Moreover, the various illustrative logical blocks, devices, and systems in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or performed by a machine, such as a general purpose processor device, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor device can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor device can be a controller, microcontroller, or state machine, combinations of the same, or the like. A processor device can include electrical circuitry configured to process computer-executable instructions. In another embodiment, a processor device includes an FPGA or other programmable device that performs logic operations without processing computer-executable instructions. A processor device can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Although described herein primarily with respect to digital technology, a processor device may also include primarily analog components. For example, some or all of the signal processing algorithms described herein may be implemented in analog circuitry or mixed analog and digital circuitry. A computing environment can include any type of computer system, including, but not limited to, a computer system based on a microprocessor, a mainframe computer, a digital signal processor, a portable computing device, a device controller, or a computational engine within an appliance, to name a few.
The elements of a method, process, routine, or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor device, or in a combination of the two. A software module can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. An exemplary storage medium can be coupled to the processor device such that the processor device can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium can be integral to the processor device. The processor device and the storage medium can reside in an ASIC. The ASIC can reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor device and the storage medium can reside as discrete components in a user terminal.
While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various embodiments, it can be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices or algorithms illustrated can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For example, although different numbers have been used for similar components or features in different figures (e.g., different numbers have been used for the dispenser modules, displays, controllers, etc.), the structural and functional features described in connection with one figure, embodiment, or numbered element may be incorporated into the different-numbered components or features, and vice-versa. As can be recognized, certain embodiments described herein can be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features can be used or practiced separately from others. The scope of certain embodiments disclosed herein is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/385,742, filed Dec. 1, 2022, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63385742 | Dec 2022 | US |
