Intuitive control panel for Drinkotec’s innovative dispensing systems

When thirst needs to be quenched reliably: the dispensing touch panel, which works even in daylight and with greasy fingers crystal clear.

Initial situation & challenge

Drinkotec specialises in innovative beverage dispensing systems.

Especially when it comes to systems where drinks such as mojitos or elaborate cocktails are mixed directly.

In the past, Drinkotec has already celebrated great success with its products. However, the user experience on the user interface needed to be further optimised. Drinkotec envisioned an HMI solution based on the PCAP Touch with touch sensor under the glass.

Part of the catalog of requirements was also a clear design language: After all, the operating front should look beautiful, robust and timeless, so that it can make the best possible impression on customers in bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

The ALGRA specialists analysed the feasibility within just 48 hours – in line with the goals that Drinkotec CEO Franck-Eric Flegbo had stated:

Playfully simple and intuitive HMI operation
Aesthetic, minimalistic and unique design language
Easy identification of beverage types in all possible lighting conditions
Easy to clean
Operable without any training
A complete solution from a single source (including LCD, aluminum frame and associated electronics)
Prototype presentable in record time
At an attractive price

Approach and solution

Within 2 days, ALGRA was able to present an engineering concept that also reflected the specific industry requirements. An important step in a sporty time frame to strengthen the customers’ trust in the ALGRA team.

The decision fell on a uni housing solution with a chemically hardened cover glass of 2mm thickness (>6H) with flawlessly finished edges. A matching 12.1-inch full HD display in combination with a tailor-made ITO sensor touch glass, allowing multi-touch configuration with up to five fingers, ensured intuitive operation: pleasant and precise tapping and swiping makes this display a reliable partner that works solidly even in the most stressful happy hour.

The HMI would be exposed to harsh conditions such as humidity, liquid splashes and changing light conditions. Therefore, the ALGRA team recommended Drinkotec a LOCA (Liquid Optically Clear Adhesive) technology to bond the surface of the cover glass to the ITO sensor glass, and then glue this stack to the LCD.

In addition, the frame of the touch ensemble was seamlessly mounted on an aluminum frame, which was milled via CNC from solid aluminum. The finish and the color of the aluminum have been adjusted to the customer’s preferences.

The PCB prototypes and relevant data sheets were provided to the engineering team before they began software development. Within a time span of just 2 weeks, close collaboration between the two corporate partners enabled the development of an industry-leading prototype.

Result

ALGRA was able to take on and implement many of Drinkotec’s initial requirements:

Design: aesthetic, seamless, rather minimalistic
Image quality: crystal clear, even in direct light, with screen brightness that adjusts automatically
User interface: intuitive and fully in tune with the wishes of the Drinkotec team
The result was completed by an over-punctual delivery of software and hardware.

The end product offers the perfect balance of design, functionality and robustness. Not only the uploaded icons on the touchscreen shine in rich colors and with clear, unpixelated image edges. The aluminum construction around the touchscreen also looks elegant, but is extremely robust and durable at the same time.

In short: The end product is perfectly tailored to Drinkotec’s requirements and cannot be replaced by standard products.