阅读说明：本技术 添加剂输送控制系统和方法 (Additive delivery control system and method ) 是由 G·S·瓦戈纳 A·J·加伊 D·W·巴尔曼 于 2018-02-22 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了一种模块化流量监测包(MFMP),其用于添加剂输送系统中。MFMP可能以待向现有的添加剂输送系统中添加的附加物形式进行制造,或可能并入到药筒或容器结构中。MFMP包括流量传感器和用户致动器位置传感器,所述流量传感器用于感测基础流体的流量,所述用户致动器位置传感器用于感测一个或多个用户致动添加剂流量调节杠杆的位置。可能包含多色LED阵列的视觉显示器能够向用户传输与用户使用添加剂输送系统或用户的营养需求相关的信息。这类信息可能包括所输送添加剂的当前剂量、是否已消耗推荐剂量的添加剂、添加剂药筒或供应源的剩余寿命以及与健康或表现监测相关的其它数据。(A Modular Flow Monitoring Package (MFMP) is provided for use in an additive delivery system. MFMP may be manufactured in the form of an add-on to be added to an existing additive delivery system, or may be incorporated into a cartridge or container structure. The MFMP includes a flow sensor for sensing the flow of the base fluid and a user-actuator position sensor for sensing the position of one or more user-actuated additive flow adjustment levers. A visual display, which may include a multi-color LED array, is capable of communicating information to a user regarding the user's use of the additive delivery system or the user's nutritional needs. Such information may include the current dose of additive delivered, whether the recommended dose of additive has been consumed, the remaining life of the additive cartridge or supply, and other data related to health or performance monitoring.)

1. A modular flow monitoring package for monitoring and controlling additive flow in an additive delivery system, the system including at least one user-actuated controller for controlling the amount of additive added from a cartridge to a base fluid, the controller comprising:

a flow sensor for sensing a flow of a base fluid;

a position sensor for sensing a position of the user-actuated control;

a visual indicator for displaying recommended dose-related information to a user based on the base fluid flow rate and the position of the user-actuated control.

2. The pack of claim 1, wherein the visual indicator includes at least one LED.

3. The pack of claim 1, further comprising an end-of-life indicator for indicating the end of life of the cartridge.

4. The package of claim 1, wherein the flow sensor includes a magnetic turbine disposed in a base fluid flow path and a hall effect sensor for sensing rotation of the magnetic turbine.

5. An additive delivery system, comprising:

a base liquid flow path for allowing a base fluid to flow;

an additive flow path for allowing an additive stream to mix with the base liquid as the base liquid flows through the base liquid flow channel;

a flow measuring device for measuring the flow of the additive;

a flow regulating device for allowing a user to adjust the amount of additive added to the base fluid;

a user interface for communicating information about the additive to the user.

6. The additive delivery system of claim 5 wherein said user interface comprises a visual display for indicating whether a predetermined additive consumption has been reached.

7. The additive delivery system of claim 5 wherein said user interface comprises a visual display for indicating a remaining life of an additive supply source.

8. The additive delivery system of claim 5, wherein said user interface comprises a plurality of separate optical indicators.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to dispensing and delivery systems for beverages and other products. The present invention also relates to dispensing and delivery systems wherein an additive (e.g., a flavoring agent, concentrate or supplement) may be provided in a replaceable cartridge and mixed with a base fluid (e.g., water) as it is dispensed and/or consumed from a container, and wherein a unidirectional flow of the base fluid is provided to prevent the additive from mixing with the base fluid supply, and thus may be used with different additive delivery systems. The present invention also relates to a dispensing and delivery system that is common to user adjustment of the amount of additive mixed with the base fluid. The present disclosure also relates to user interfaces and user interface features for enabling a user to monitor and control the dosage of an additive mixed with a base fluid during dispensing. The present invention also relates to systems and methods for guiding a user in deciding additive dispersion based on various inputs including, but not limited to, gender, height, weight, genetic makeup, hydration and electrolyte levels, historical nutritional and exercise information, and real-time activity information provided by smartphones, fitness trackers, smart devices, and the like. The present disclosure also relates to methods of utilizing additive dose modulation features in nutritional applications, for example, to enhance human performance in sports and other activities.

Background

Additive delivery systems for providing a user-regulated flow of additive into a flow dispensed from a container are generally known. Such systems may be applied to beverage mixing and may incorporate a removable cartridge for storing a supply of an additive (e.g., a flavoring agent) to be added to a base fluid (e.g., water). Exemplary devices and METHODS are disclosed in U.S. published application No. 2017/0296988 and U.S. patent nos. 9,498,086 and 9,795,242 entitled adjustable additive cartridge system and method (adjustableditve CARTRIDGESYSTEMS AND METHODS) published on 19/10/2017.

There is a need to enhance the user interface and additive dosage monitoring and control features of additive delivery systems, such as those described in the above-mentioned publications. There is also a need to utilize such user interfaces and additive monitoring and control features to support and make recommendations regarding changes in physical activity, including physical activity, real-time nutritional needs, and general health.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a Modular Flow Monitoring Package (MFMP) is provided for use in an additive delivery system. MFMP may be manufactured in the form of an add-on to be added to an existing additive delivery system, or may be incorporated into a cartridge or container structure. An MFMP may include an outer housing defining a flow path through the MFMP and protecting internal components. The tube defines a flow path in the housing. A flow rate monitoring device is provided for sensing flow in a pipe and may include a magnetic turbine cooperating with a hall effect sensor and a support circuit housed within a housing and mounted on an internal circuit board. An internal power supply and inductive charging circuit may be incorporated into the MFMP. The inductive charging circuit may comprise a coil extending within the outer wall of the housing or only within the outer wall of the housing. The coil may be an air-core coil or a printed circuit coil routed around the outer diameter of a printed circuit board to form a printed circuit coil. The MFMP also includes a user actuator position sensor for sensing the position of one or more user-actuated additive flow adjustment levers or other structures. It should be noted that a single digital magnetic sensor may also be used to sense the position of all three magnetic elements by locating the fields of these magnetic elements and noting feedback based on each position and location likelihood. A visual display, which may contain a multi-color LED array, is incorporated into the MFMP and may be on its upper wall so as to be visible to a user when the MFMP is in a mounted position in the additive delivery system. The visual display may transmit information to the user related to the user's use of the additive delivery system or the user's nutritional needs. While we show a single LED, other display technologies may be incorporated to allow such positioning feedback. This information may also be indicated by the mobile application. Such information may include the current dose of additive delivered, whether the recommended dose of additive has been consumed, the remaining life of the additive cartridge or supply, and other data related to health or performance monitoring. The MFMP may be adapted to monitor the supply of more than one additive and a corresponding number of additive cartridges to the base fluid. In addition, the dosage type may be selected manually or optionally detected by an RFID reader that reads the package ID, manufacturing date, shelf life, and product type for identification and authentication. This information will be password protected as will the ATMELTK5551RFID transponder associated with the packaging information to be displayed.

According to another aspect, the MFMP may communicate with external devices and systems to enhance the user experience. Such devices may include smartphones, exercise equipment, heart rate and blood pressure monitors, fitness trackers, and "smart" devices, such as computer-equipped exercise equipment. Additional movement information that the product may not or cannot display may be displayed. The information that may be displayed includes the total dose over a period of time, the depletion accumulator, and the dose accumulator. The relevant dosage information may be used in combination with personal profiles, hydration and electrolyte levels, historical nutrition and exercise information, and real-time activity information to develop customized dosage recommendations for the user. A smartphone application or other application for a computing platform may be utilized to facilitate user interaction with the MFMP. A use case for this application may be an individual who regularly attends to cycling. By measuring performance data, including speed, peak output, coverage distance, heart rate, lactate production (measured by fitness trackers, on-board bicycle computers, and other intelligent devices) and comparing it to additive data (e.g., electrolyte dosage) for the same time period, a correlation to the optimal electrolyte dosage can be obtained and forwarded to the user through the application program.

According to another aspect, a recommendation system utilizing MFMP can accept multiple data sets as input to determine a user's real-time hydration and nutritional needs, and can recommend additive dosages in a real-time timer as the user engages in physical activity.

Drawings

The above and other attendant advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. It is to be understood that the description and examples are intended as illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

FIG. 1 is a front exploded view of an exemplary dispenser environment suitable for use with the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a front assembly view of an exemplary internal additive delivery system incorporating an MFMP in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a top view of a dual cartridge additive delivery system environment suitable for use with MFMP in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a front view of the dual cartridge additive delivery system of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary MFMP in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a top view of an exemplary MFMP.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a system for utilizing MFMPs in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a detail of an exemplary user interface for indicating additive levels, charge capacity, and end-of-life conditions for an exemplary MFMP, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a flow diagram of an exemplary logic flow of an MFMP in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a representation of exemplary data fields that may be monitored or input into a system using MFMPs, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary data set of daily activities, calories ingested and burned, and body weight that may be used in a system according to aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 12 depicts an exemplary data set of energy (calories) expended as a function of walking or running speed that may be used in a system according to aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 13 depicts a user interface display of a drug administration application on a smartphone, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Fig. 14 depicts a user interface display of a meal application on a smartphone, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 15 depicts a user interface display of a flavor and hydration application on a smartphone in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 16 depicts a user interface display of an application that may display overall statistics and data collected for optimal performance, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a front exploded view of an exemplary dispenser environment 10 suitable for applying MFMP in accordance with aspects of the present invention. A dispenser, such as a drinking water bottle, may include a container body 12 defining an interior volume for containing a base fluid (water) and a screw-fit cap 14 having a spout 16. With additional reference to fig. 2, and additive delivery system 100 may be cooperatively associated with dispenser environment 10. The additive delivery system 100 may include an inlet tube 104 for conveying a base fluid up and through an annular cartridge 102 disposed about the inlet tube 104. The cartridge may include a port (not shown in fig. 2) in its interior that delivers the additive into a mixing region within the tube 104. The rotational position of the cartridge 102 may be adjusted by a user using an actuator in a manner to be described to adjust the amount of additive added to the base fluid as it flows in the inlet tube 104. In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a Modular Flow Monitoring Package (MFMP)200 may be cooperatively associated with the additive delivery system 100 to enhance user monitoring and control of additives. The amount of additive was monitored.

Fig. 3 and 4 depict details of an exemplary dual cartridge additive delivery system, which may be a suitable use environment for an MFMP in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a top view, and fig. 4 is a front view. The first and second cartridges 102.1 and 102.2 may be cylindrical annular containers arranged concentrically with respect to the inlet tube 104. Each may have ports 126.1 and 126.2 to allow the respective additive to flow from the interior space into the inlet tube to mix with the base fluid. The respective additive flows from the cartridges 102.1 and 102.2 may be controlled with control arms 120.1 and 120.2, which control arms 120.1 and 120.2 are connected to concentric downwardly extending annular rods 124.1 and 124.2 and may have ports defined for selective alignment with respective ports on the cartridges 102.1 and 102.2. Thus, the rotational movement of the control arms 120.1 and 120.2 may result in regulating the respective additive flow from the cartridges 102.1 and 102.2 into the flow path of the base fluid into the tube. The control arm may comprise magnetic elements 122.1 and 122.2 for enabling its actuation/movement to be controlled from outside the sealed housing 210 in which it is located. Cartridges 102.1 and 102.2 may provide machine-readable identification information, including an RFID tag, bar code, or other electronically stored information, which may identify the cartridge type, flavor type, date, and other useful information to the MFMP. Suitable reading components may be incorporated into the MFMP to read the machine-readable identification information.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing further details of an exemplary MFMP 200. The flow rate measurement device 230, which may itself be a magnetic turbine, may be centrally located and mounted for rotational movement in response to fluid flow within the pipe 104. A hall effect sensor 240 may be installed to detect the rate of rotation of the turbine 230 so that data indicative of the flow rate of the base fluid within the pipe 104 may be obtained. A power source 250, such as a battery, provides electrical energy for operation of the internal components of MFMP 200, which may be sealed within housing 210. The circuit board 245 may support the battery 250, the sensor 240, and supporting electronics, which may include a microprocessor, memory, drivers for visual indicators, and radio components for communicating with a receiver external to the interior of the housing. A cartridge reader, which may include an RFID reader, may also be present on the circuit board to sense the identity of the cartridge or cartridges being used. An inductive charging coil 211 may be mounted within or near an outer wall of the housing 210 for enabling inductive charging of the power supply 250.

Fig. 6 is a top view of an exemplary MFMP that includes a plurality of visual indicators 225, the visual indicators 225 mounted such that the visual indicators 225 are visible to a user from outside the housing and when the unit is mounted on an additive delivery system. The upper wall of the housing 210 may be made of a clear transparent material to allow viewing of the visual indicator, which may be mounted on an internal circuit board. Respective sensing magnets 127.1 and 127.2 may be included to sense the rotational position of the control arms 120.1 and 120.2. The visual indicator may comprise indicator sets 225.1 and 225.2 (four in each set shown in fig. 6) per cartridge, for example a plurality of separate light sources, for example LEDs, which may be multi-colored. As will be explained, the indicator sets 225.1 and 225.2 communicate information to the user regarding the additive dosage associated with each cartridge. Other indicators may be present, including a charge indicator 227 for indicating the level of charge on the power supply 250. Respective end of life (EOL) indicators 229.1 and 229.2 may be associated with each cartridge indicator set to indicate the EOL of the cartridge.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a system for utilizing MFMPs in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The components of the exemplary MFMP are represented in block 200. In this embodiment, the MFMP in the additive delivery system may utilize and monitor three cartridges. The microprocessor-based central control system 260 may include non-volatile memory and accelerometers, and receives input from the hall sensor 240 and the actuator arm position sensors 127.1, 127.2, and 127.3, the hall sensor 240 inductively sensing the rate of rotation of the turbine 230. The control system 260 also controls the radio interface 264 and the wireless inductive charger 211, as well as the set of visual indicators 225.

According to aspects of the present invention, MFMP 200 may interface with exercise devices, fitness trackers, and cycling computers through radio interface 264. Radio interface 264 also allows for direct radio interaction with a smartphone running a suitable application or interaction through a cloud or wide area network. The cartridge data may be read by RFID and the coil is located on the printed circuit board. Each cartridge may have an RFD chip with a specific type and product data. The Venturi position (Venturi position) for drug administration is magnetically tracked. By keeping the sensor and electronics essentially separate, we can design an ultrasonically sealed waterproof electronics package to ensure reliability and ease of use.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary set of modes for a set of visual indicators to indicate status and recommend consumption and dosage of additives. A flashing indicator may be used to indicate to the user that it should be consumed. The communication language will show the recommended dose for your activity level. By indicating end of life, recommended dose, and current dose, we can modify dose behavior based on historical performance and current activity. In this example we show the current recommendation in blinking form, but we can also show the current setting in constant light form at the same time. The display is also designed to show the life of the cartridge by indicating the percentage of life. These same gas gauge type indicators can be used to show the state of charge (0-100% battery life remaining) and the state of charge (0-100% charge percentage).

Fig. 9 illustrates an exemplary logic flow. At step 902, the MFMP may generally default to a sleep mode. If motion is detected at 904, the logic proceeds to step 906, otherwise, the logic loops to 902. At 906, the cartridge identifier is read; the blend ratio setting may be read from a profile stored in memory; the accumulated values, e.g., volume, calories consumed; calculating the percentage of EOL; and senses the battery charge. At 908, a monitoring loop is initiated to check the consumption stream and update the accumulated value and the ratio. At 910, the logic checks the indicated EOL marker. This can be determined by comparing the accumulated value of the additive with the known supply amount of additive. If so, at 912, a visual indicator is activated to indicate the EOL of the given cartridge and the logic flows to step 914. If EOL is not flagged at 910, the logic proceeds directly to decision 914. At 914, the logic checks whether a timer and consumption pattern are desired. At this point, the decision triggers an alarm and notification. The timer is based on the flow rate and elapsed time associated with the dose setting. The comparison data may be preset and the amount of the shot (brought in) may be set on the application by the RFID data. It is desirable to have the consumption meter added with the cartridge and reset when a new cartridge is installed. End of life is indicated if the usage accumulator of usage flow and the dose timer accumulator are greater than the usage table values when converted to uL or mL. If so, a recommendation is made using the indicator at 916 and a notification flag is sent to the mobile device and/or cloud. At 918, it is checked whether the communication is interrupted. At 920, the system interfaces with the cloud or mobile device to update the profile, usage data and recommendations, and to display that the charging indicator of the unit is charging. At 922, a new value is updated in an accumulator, such as an EEPROM. The dose, flow rate and time flow are accumulated for end-of-life comparison. This accumulated value is stored in two locations to prevent data loss and is updated in non-volatile memory after each use. These accumulators are also used for bulk flow, flow through the dose counter and overall use of the cartridge accumulator (flow rate used, change of dose over time) to get the amount of uL or mL used per drink.

FIG. 10 is a representation of an exemplary data set that may be monitored or input into a system using MFMP in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The user profile data set may include height, weight, gender, age, ID weight, height, gender, age, ID, health level, weight level, heart health level, BMI, flash mass, fat free mass, meal, dietary records, exercise records, personal feedback records, muscle mass history, body fat history. The bottle usage profile may include stored preferred mix ratios, additive product type, consumption totalizer by ratio a-B-C, total consumption, ramp time, activity, time between uses, average time of use. An exercise device profile may include parameters for a given exercise device, including RMP, number of steps, torque, elevation, percent incline, kilowatt-hours, peak energy required, average energy, temperature, miles, time in use, number of repetitions, continuous exercise time, and KWH consumption. The wearable device profile may include activity, number of steps, heart rate, continuous activity time, total activity time, maximum heart rate, resting heart rate. A system aggregator, which may itself be a mobile application or a cloud service based application, may receive the data set as input to generate optimal consumption, recommended consumption rates, optimal mixtures, electrolyte levels, proteins, and calorie intake recommendations. The aggregator may also generate or allow the user to generate reports on usage and best performance, comparison results with physical tests, best performance curves, performance enhancement opportunities, and the like.

When using accelerometers, the device itself can track the walking and running doors and can utilize this information and associate it with the mobile device.

FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary data set of daily activities, calories ingested and burned, and body weight that may be used in a system according to aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 12 depicts an exemplary data set of energy (calories) expended as a function of walking or running speed that may be used in a system according to aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 13 depicts a user interface display of a dynamic sports application on a smartphone, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The application may present a summary screen (left), a recommendation screen (middle), and a historical results screen (right).

Fig. 14 depicts a user interface display of a drug delivery application on a smartphone, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The application may present a summary screen (left) and a recommendation screen (right).

Fig. 15 depicts a user interface display of a meal management application on a smartphone, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The application may present a summary screen (left) and a recommendation screen (right).

The user interface display may also include a flavor and hydration application on a smartphone according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 16 depicts a user interface display of an application that may display overall statistics and data collected for optimal performance, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

It should be understood that other variations and modified embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and that the invention is not limited by the specific examples described herein. It is therefore contemplated to cover by the present invention any and all modifications, variations or equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the following claims.