Manitowoc Beverage Blend

Case Study

The Multiplex Blend-In-Cup Workstation is an easy to use beverage blending machine for foodservice operations .

Project Summary

Industry

Foodservice

Location

Sellersburg, IN

Business Situation

Manitowoc needed help from Occam Technology Group to perform hardware requirements, design reviews, and a complete validation process for the Blend-In-Cup Workstation.

Technical Situation

This device had to meet design regulations and must contain motor control developments before being released to the market.

Solution

Occam Technology Group developed hardware/firmware design, and development and validation of Microchip PIC24F series based Blend-In-Cup smoothie system.

Benefits

We used advanced engineering tools and development of sensor, thermal, power, communication (RS485/MODBUS) and motion control systems for the refrigeration.

Services

  • Design engineering
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Hardware development
  • Motor sense technology

Microchip Validation and Development for Automated Beverage Blender

The Welbilt Company Foodservice sector, Manitowoc Beverage Systems, Inc. was formed in 1999. Multiplex is the world’s leading manufacturer of high capacity beverage dispensing systems for soda and beer. Their products are designed to enhance the customer experience and provide efficient beverage blending production. Each machine contains state-of-the-art technology and an easy-to-use design.
Occam Technology Group was approached by Multiplex Beverage to develop and validate a Microchip PIC24F series based on the Blend-In-Cup smoothie system. The system consists of blender and linear stepper motor control to provide an automated drain making and cleaning system for large restaurant chains. We also used hardware development for a Microchip 33F dsPIC based micro stepping motor control with Modbus connectivity. Our design contained bi-polar PWM coil current control and sigmoidal acceleration and deceleration profile for velocity and positioning.
Manitowoc Beverage Systems, Inc. received the 2010 Kitchen Innovations Award for the Blend In Cup Smoothie Machine. With the help of Occam Technology Group, this product surpassed mandatory regulations and allows the operator to manage inventory and operational procedures.