Intelligent Liquid Dispensing System with Advanced Temperature Control and Quality Assurance
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A next-generation liquid dispensing system that incorporates advanced technologies to provide precise temperature control, improved liquid quality, and enhanced user experience.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a liquid dispensing system capable of dispensing liquids at different temperatures. However, it has limitations in terms of energy efficiency, liquid quality, and user customization. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by integrating novel components and technologies to provide a more advanced and user-centric liquid dispensing experience.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises a modular, self-contained hot water storage device and a separate chilled liquid storage device, allowing for efficient temperature control and minimizing energy losses. The system incorporates advanced nanofiltration technology to remove impurities and contaminants from dispensed liquids, ensuring consistent taste and quality across different temperatures and dispensing modes. A machine learning algorithm and sensor feedback enable dynamic temperature adjustment based on user preferences, environmental factors, and liquid properties. The system features a novel, spiral-shaped heat exchanger that enables efficient heat transfer and minimizes pressure drops, allowing for faster and more precise temperature control during dispensing. Additionally, the system integrates artificial intelligence and IoT connectivity to optimize energy consumption, predict maintenance needs, and provide personalized recommendations for liquid selection and temperature settings based on user behavior and preferences.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel components and technologies that are not obvious from the original patent, including the modular hot water storage device, advanced nanofiltration technology, dynamic temperature adjustment using machine learning, and spiral-shaped heat exchanger. These innovations provide a significant improvement over the original patent, enabling a more advanced and user-centric liquid dispensing experience.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include different configurations of the hot water storage device and chilled liquid storage device, varying levels of automation and IoT connectivity, and integration with other smart home appliances. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in various industries, such as healthcare, hospitality, and food service.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The new inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the beverage and liquid dispensing industries, with potential applications in smart homes, offices, and public spaces. The system's advanced features and improved user experience could attract a premium market segment, while its energy efficiency and reduced maintenance needs could appeal to environmentally conscious and cost-sensitive consumers.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A47 | A47J31/465 |
| A | A47 | A47J31/3676 |
| A | A47 | A47J31/4403 |
| A | A47 | A47J31/5255 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Liquid dispensing systems and temperature control technologies for beverage and liquid preparation, with expertise in thermal management, fluid dynamics, and precision temperature control mechanisms
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer or thermal systems specialist with advanced knowledge of fluid control, heat transfer principles, temperature regulation techniques, and experience designing liquid dispensing equipment for commercial and consumer applications
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's advanced temperature control and filtration technologies represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's liquid dispensing system. The fundamental liquid flow and temperature management principles remain consistent, with the PTD introducing incremental enhancements using known techniques in machine learning, sensor integration, and heat transfer design. These variations would be considered obvious extensions of the existing technological framework established in the source patent.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,107 |
|---|---|
| Title | Liquid dispensing system, liquid flow control assembly and liquid dispenser for dispensing liquid at different temperatures |
| Assignee(s) | DS SERVICES OF AMERICA, INC., CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN INTERNATIONAL LIMITED |