Water control system and method for self-service beverage station

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of intelligent beverage making and control systems, and discloses a self-service beverage station water control system and method, and the system comprises a transfer water tank module, a barreled water supply module, a tap water supply module, a pressure monitoring module, a controller module and a user interface module. The system monitors the liquid level and pressure states in real time through a liquid level sensor and a pressure sensor, precise water supply flow and pressure regulation and control are achieved based on a dynamic model, the system is automatically switched to a tap water mode to supplement water when water supply of barreled water is insufficient, and water supply continuity is ensured; the system has the functions of abnormal alarm and power failure recovery, and can record the water supply state and recover operation after power failure; the user interface module is used for displaying the water supply state, alarm information and maintenance prompts, and user experience is optimized. The system effectively solves the problems of inflexible water supply mode switching, inaccurate regulation and control, low operation efficiency and the like in the prior art, and has the advantages of high water supply stability, high resource utilization rate, convenience in user operation and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of intelligent beverage production and control systems, and in particular to a water control system and method for a self-service beverage station. Background Art

[0002] At present, with the widespread use of self-service beverage stations, users have an increasing demand for the convenience, stability and high quality of beverage making. However, there are still many technical problems in the design and management of the water supply system of self-service beverage stations. Especially in scenarios where beverage making has high requirements for water supply, the shortcomings of the existing water supply system will significantly affect the user experience and the operating efficiency of the equipment.

[0003] In the prior art, the water supply system of self-service beverage stations mostly relies on a single water supply source (such as bottled water or tap water), and cannot flexibly switch between different water supply modes according to actual needs. Traditional self-service beverage stations are usually equipped with a fixed water supply module, such as directly connecting to the tap water pipeline or extracting drinking water from bottled water through a pump. Although this design can meet basic needs in small scenarios, it has obvious limitations in complex applications. When there is a problem with a single water supply source (such as exhaustion of bottled water or insufficient tap water pressure), the system cannot switch to the backup water supply mode in time, which can easily lead to interruption or failure of beverage production, thereby affecting the user experience. The lack of dynamic water supply switching capability is the main shortcoming of the prior art, especially in scenarios where water demand surges during peak periods or water supply is unstable. This problem is particularly evident. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the present invention provides a water control system and method for a self-service beverage station, which solves the problem of lack of dynamic water supply switching capability in scenarios where water demand surges during peak periods or water supply is unstable.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solutions: A water control system for a self-service beverage station, comprising: A transfer water tank module, used to store the intermediate water source in the beverage making process, wherein at least one liquid level sensor is arranged in the transfer water tank module, used to detect the water tank liquid level in real time and generate a liquid level signal; The bottled water supply module includes a water pump for extracting water from the bottled water source. The module receives a liquid level signal and starts pumping water when the liquid level is lower than a preset threshold value. A tap water supply module, including a tap water pipeline, a purification device and a booster pump, wherein the tap water supply module receives a liquid level signal and starts water replenishment when the bottled water supply module cannot meet the demand; A pressure monitoring module, used to monitor the pressure of the water supply pipeline in real time and generate a pressure signal; A controller module, connected with the liquid level sensor, the pressure monitoring module, the bottled water supply module and the tap water supply module, for dynamically controlling the switching of the water supply mode and adjusting the water supply flow according to the liquid level signal and the pressure signal, and triggering an alarm when the liquid level signal or the pressure signal is abnormal; The user interface module is used to display the water supply status, liquid level status and alarm information, and accept the beverage making requirements input by the user.

[0006] Preferably, the controller module implements the following switching logic based on the liquid level signal: When the liquid level is lower than the preset low threshold, the bottled water supply module is activated first; If the bottled water supply module fails to complete water supply within the preset time, it will switch to the tap water supply module; When the liquid level continues to fall below the low threshold or the water supply is interrupted, an alarm is triggered and the sold-out status is displayed.

[0007] Preferably, the transfer water tank module is designed so that: Its capacity meets the needs of making at least two cups of drinks, and it can still complete the user's current drink making task even when it is in the low position; When the liquid level drops to the minimum threshold, the transfer water tank module triggers the system display screen to prompt the sold-out status through the liquid level signal to prevent the user from failing to place an order.

[0008] Preferably, the purification device is a multi-stage purification structure, which can filter the tap water, remove impurities and reduce the hardness so that it meets the drinking water standard.

[0009] Preferably, the controller module has the following functions: Record the system's operating parameters when the power is off, including the water tank level, water supply pressure and water supply method; After power is restored, the water supply mode and operating status before the power outage will be automatically restored based on the recorded parameters without manual resetting.

[0010] Preferably, the pressure monitoring module displays the pressure status to the user through the user interface module, and issues an alarm message when the water supply pressure is lower than the minimum pressure threshold required for beverage preparation.

[0011] Preferably, the controller module calculates the water supply flow rate according to the real-time status of the liquid level and user demand by establishing a dynamic model of liquid level change, satisfying the following relationship: When the bottled water supply module is working, the water supply flow is: Where: L target is the target liquid level, L(t) is the current liquid level, and ΔT is the time interval; When the tap water supply module is working, the water supply flow is: Where: Q b For tap water flow.

[0012] Preferably, the controller module determines the switching stability through a Lyapunov stability function based on the system state feedback and the dynamic change of the liquid level, wherein the stability determination function is: Where: L(t) is the water tank liquid level, P(t) is the water supply pressure.

[0013] A method for controlling water at a self-service beverage station comprises the following steps: Obtain the water tank liquid level signal through the liquid level sensor to determine whether it is lower than the low level threshold; If the liquid level is lower than the low threshold, the bottled water supply module will be activated first to replenish water; If the bottled water supply module fails to complete water replenishment within the preset time, it will switch to the tap water supply module for water replenishment; Determine whether the water supply pressure is lower than the preset pressure threshold. If so, directly start the tap water supply module and supplement the water pressure through the booster pump; Dynamically adjust the water supply flow rate according to the real-time liquid level and pressure to meet the user's beverage making needs; When the liquid level drops to the minimum threshold, an alarm is triggered and the sold-out status is displayed on the user interface; After the power is restored, the system reads the water supply status before the power outage and automatically resumes operation.

[0014] Preferably, the water supply flow rate control is calculated according to the following dynamic model: When using bottled water, the flow rate meets the following requirements: When using tap water, the flow rate meets: Where: L target is the target liquid level, L(t) is the current liquid level, and ΔT is the time interval.

[0015] The present invention provides a water control system and method for a self-service beverage station, which has the following beneficial effects: 1. The present invention adopts a technical solution combining real-time monitoring of the liquid level sensor with dynamic water supply switching, achieving the technical effect of accurately controlling the liquid level of the transfer water tank and flexibly switching the water supply mode. Compared with the technical solution in the prior art that only relies on fixed time intervals or a single water supply method to replenish water, it solves the problem of interruption of beverage production or waste of resources due to insufficient water or inability to switch the water supply mode in time.

[0016] 2. The present invention adopts a dynamic flow control technology solution based on the linkage of liquid level and pressure signal, combines the dynamic model to optimize the water supply efficiency, realizes the precise control of water supply pressure and flow, and ensures the stability and consistency of the beverage making process. Compared with the fixed water supply method lacking real-time control in the prior art, it solves the problem of affecting the quality of beverages due to excessive or low water supply pressure and uneven flow.

[0017] 3. The present invention adopts a control strategy combining power-off status recording and automatic recovery, achieving the technical effect of being able to quickly resume operation and maintain stable water supply after the system is powered off. Compared with the technical solution of the prior art that requires manual reconfiguration after power off, it solves the problem of low system recovery efficiency and discontinuous operation process leading to poor user experience.

[0018] 4. The present invention adopts a technical solution combining multi-level alarm prompts with user interface interaction, which realizes real-time feedback of water supply status, liquid level status and pressure status, and can provide maintenance suggestions when the system is abnormal. Compared with the technical solution in the prior art that lacks comprehensive status prompts or abnormal alarm functions, it solves the problem that users cannot be informed of system operation abnormalities in time and intervene. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water control system architecture of a self-service beverage station of the present invention; Figure 2 The present invention is a schematic diagram of the steps of a water control method at a self-service beverage station. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following will be combined with the drawings in the specification of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] Please see attached Figure 1 The embodiment of the present invention provides a water control system for a self-service beverage station, comprising: A transfer water tank module, used to store the intermediate water source in the beverage making process, wherein at least one liquid level sensor is arranged in the transfer water tank module, used to detect the water tank liquid level in real time and generate a liquid level signal; Specifically, the transfer water tank module is one of the core modules of the entire system, which is used to provide buffering and stability of the intermediate water source during the beverage production process, ensuring the reliability and continuity of the system when user demand fluctuates and the water supply mode is switched. To this end, the transfer water tank module cooperates with the water supply module, pressure monitoring module, controller module and user interface module to form a closed-loop control system.

[0022] The transfer water tank module is used to temporarily store the intermediate water source required in the beverage production process, playing the role of water supply buffer and liquid level stabilization. Through the design of this module, the system can smoothly switch between different water supply methods (bottled water and tap water), avoiding the failure of beverage production due to water supply delay or long switching time.

[0023] At least one liquid level sensor is provided in the transfer water tank module, which is used to detect the water tank liquid level in real time and generate a liquid level signal. The liquid level signal is transmitted to the controller module to determine whether it is necessary to start the water supply module for water replenishment and further guide the decision of switching the water supply mode.

[0024] As an implementation method, the transfer tank module is designed to have a capacity of 2 liters, and its internal liquid level is divided into the following three states: The high level state is used to detect whether the water tank has reached the full water level.

[0025] The low state is used to trigger the water replenishment logic.

[0026] The ultra-low position state is used to urgently stop beverage preparation and issue a "sold out" prompt to the user.

[0027] The transfer tank module maintains the liquid level between high and low levels during normal operation, ensuring that there is no water supply interruption during the beverage making process.

[0028] There are multiple levels of liquid level sensors inside the transfer water tank module, including high level sensors, low level sensors and ultra-low level sensors. Specifically: The high-level liquid level sensor is used to detect whether the water level in the transfer water tank has reached the full water level. When the full water level is detected, the controller module stops the water replenishment operation of the water supply module.

[0029] The low liquid level sensor is used to determine whether the water level drops to the water replenishment threshold. When the water level is lower than the threshold, the controller module starts the water supply module to perform water replenishment operation.

[0030] The ultra-low level sensor is used to detect whether the water level in the transfer tank has dropped to the minimum threshold. When the liquid level reaches an ultra-low level, the system will interrupt the beverage production and issue an alarm prompt through the user interface module.

[0031] These liquid level sensors can be float type liquid level sensors, capacitive liquid level sensors or ultrasonic liquid level sensors. In some embodiments, in order to improve the accuracy of liquid level detection, two different types of liquid level sensors can be used at the same time, with redundancy detection to ensure the accuracy and reliability of liquid level signals.

[0032] In order to achieve accurate liquid level control, the liquid level of the water tank is modeled through the liquid level change dynamic model. Specifically, the liquid level change satisfies the following equation: Where: L(t) is the water tank level, in liters (L); Q in (t) is the water supply flow rate from the water supply module to the water tank, in liters per second (L / s); Q out (t) is the water flow rate drawn from the water tank during the beverage making process, in liters per second (L / s).

[0033] When the liquid level L(t) reaches the high level, Q in (t) = 0, that is, stop replenishing water. When the liquid level L(t) is lower than the low threshold, the controller module starts the water supply module to replenish water, and the replenishment flow rate satisfies the following relationship: Where: L target is the target liquid level, in liters (L); ΔT is the estimated water replenishment time, in seconds (s).

[0034] As a possible implementation method, the target liquid level L target It is usually set to the high liquid level value of the transfer water tank to avoid frequent water replenishment.

[0035] The water replenishment logic of the transfer tank module is triggered by the controller module based on the liquid level sensor signal. Specifically, when the liquid level signal indicates that the tank level reaches the low threshold: If the current water supply mode is bottled water mode, the controller module starts the water pump of the bottled water supply module to replenish water; if the bottled water supply module cannot complete the water replenishment within the preset time, it switches to the tap water supply module and improves the water supply efficiency through the booster pump.

[0036] When the liquid level reaches an ultra-low level, the controller module will immediately stop the beverage making operation and send an alarm signal to the user interface module to indicate the "sold out" status.

[0037] In order to improve the water supply efficiency of the system, the user demand flow Q out (t) historical data to predict the future trend of water tank liquid level changes, thereby triggering water replenishment operations in advance to avoid the situation where the liquid level is too low.

[0038] The transfer water tank module can be detachable for easy regular cleaning and maintenance. In order to reduce manual intervention, an automatic cleaning device can be added to the water tank to trigger the cleaning operation regularly through the controller module.

[0039] Specifically, cleaning operations may include: Automatic injection of cleaning fluid; High-pressure flushing is carried out through the spray device inside the water tank; When cleaning is complete, drain the tank and refill with fresh water.

[0040] The transfer water tank module works with the controller module and the water supply module through the liquid level signal to ensure the continuity and stability of the system water supply. Specifically: The liquid level signal is the core basis for triggering the water replenishment operation of the water supply module; The liquid level change model is an important input for the controller module to calculate the water supply flow; The liquid level status is also fed back to the user in real time through the user interface module, allowing the user to understand the current operating status of the system.

[0041] The bottled water supply module includes a water pump for extracting water from the bottled water source. The module receives a liquid level signal and starts pumping water when the liquid level is lower than a preset threshold value. Specifically, the bottled water supply module, as an important component of the system of the present invention, is mainly responsible for extracting water from the bottled water and delivering it to the transfer water tank module to meet the daily needs of beverage production. The bottled water supply module works closely with the transfer water tank module, and its operating state is controlled in real time by the controller module according to the liquid level signal to ensure the continuity and stability of the water supply process. The structure, operating logic and technical implementation of the bottled water supply module are described in detail below.

[0042] The bottled water supply module includes a pump and a water pipeline connected to the bottled water, which is used to extract drinking water from the bottled water and provide water replenishment support to the transfer water tank module through the instructions of the controller module. The working principle of this module is that when the liquid level of the transfer water tank is lower than the preset threshold, the controller module is triggered by the liquid level sensor signal to start the pump of the bottled water supply module, thereby completing the water replenishment task.

[0043] The bottled water supply module is preferred as the main water supply source for the transfer water tank, and continuously ensures the dynamic balance of the liquid level under normal working conditions. As an option, in some embodiments, in order to further optimize the water supply efficiency, a flow regulating device can be added to the water delivery pipeline to dynamically control the working flow of the water pump.

[0044] The core components of the bottled water supply module are the water pump, pipe connection device and sealing interface. Specifically: The pump is a low-power high-lift pump with a maximum flow range of up to 0.5 liters per second, which can meet the water supply needs of most self-service beverage stations in daily operation. The outlet of the pump is connected to the inlet pipe of the transfer water tank module, and the start and stop state is adjusted by the controller module. To prevent backflow pollution, a one-way valve is set in the pipeline to ensure the single direction of water flow.

[0045] The pipeline connection device includes a flexible connecting pipe and a quick connector, which is used to connect the water inlet end of the water pump with the mouth of the bottled water bottle. Generally, the flexible connecting pipe is made of food-grade materials to ensure water safety.

[0046] The bottled water supply module also includes an automatic sealing interface. When the bottled water is exhausted, the sealing interface automatically closes to prevent air from entering the water delivery pipeline, and sends a prompt signal to the user interface module through the controller module to remind the user to change the bottled water.

[0047] The start and stop of the bottled water supply module is controlled by the controller module based on the liquid level signal. Specifically, when the liquid level sensor of the intermediate water tank module detects that the water level is lower than the low level threshold, the controller module issues a command to start the water pump of the bottled water supply module and calculates the pumping time and flow rate based on the current liquid level status and the target liquid level.

[0048] In order to achieve accurate flow control, the working flow rate Q of the water pump a Satisfies the following formula: Where: Q a is the real-time working flow rate of the water pump, in liters per second (L / s); L target is the target liquid level, usually the high level threshold of the transfer water tank; L(t) is the current liquid level, in liters (L); ΔT is the preset water replenishment time, in seconds (s).

[0049] In order to further optimize the water replenishment process, the controller module can dynamically adjust ΔT to meet the needs of different beverage production peak periods. When the liquid level reaches the high threshold, the controller module stops the water pump and completes a water replenishment operation.

[0050] In order to improve the operational stability of the bottled water supply module, the present invention provides a variety of exception handling mechanisms. Specifically: When the bottled water supply module fails to complete water replenishment within the preset time, the controller module will send a prompt message to the user interface module and automatically switch to the tap water supply module to ensure the continuity of water supply.

[0051] In addition, the water pump of the bottled water supply module is equipped with an overheat protection device. During long-term operation, if the pump body temperature exceeds the safety threshold, it will automatically shut down and trigger an alarm signal.

[0052] In order to prevent the contamination of drinking water, a backflow protection device is added to the pipeline. When the water pressure is lower than the set value, the backflow protection device will automatically close to avoid cross contamination between the bottled water and the water in the transfer tank.

[0053] In order to ensure the safety of water quality, the flexible connecting pipe of the bottled water supply module is designed to be detachable, which is convenient for regular replacement and cleaning. Generally, users can disinfect the flexible pipe every month to ensure the hygiene of the pipeline.

[0054] In some cases, a disinfection module can be integrated into the flexible connecting pipe. Specifically, the disinfection module regularly sterilizes the inside of the pipe through ultraviolet rays or ozone, and the sterilization operation is automatically triggered by the controller module without manual intervention.

[0055] The bottled water supply module works together with the transfer water tank module and the controller module to form a closed-loop water supply system. The liquid level signal is the direct basis for the start and stop of the bottled water supply module, and the working state of the bottled water supply module in turn affects the liquid level change of the transfer water tank, thereby driving the dynamic balance of the entire system.

[0056] When the bottled water supply module fails to work properly, the controller module will automatically switch to the tap water supply module to ensure that the user's beverage making is not affected. At the same time, the user interface module provides real-time feedback on the water supply status through the display screen, allowing users to promptly learn about the need for bottled water replacement or equipment maintenance.

[0057] A tap water supply module, including a tap water pipeline, a purification device and a booster pump, wherein the tap water supply module receives a liquid level signal and starts water replenishment when the bottled water supply module cannot meet the demand; Specifically, the tap water supply module is one of the core water supply components, which is mainly used to provide efficient and stable water replenishment support through tap water pipelines, purification devices and booster pumps when the bottled water supply module cannot meet the water supply demand. The design of the tap water supply module plays a key role in backup and pressurization in system operation, especially in ensuring the continuity of the beverage making process during peak water consumption or when bottled water is exhausted. The tap water supply module works closely with the transfer water tank module, controller module and pressure monitoring module to ensure that the water supply needs of the self-service beverage station in multiple scenarios are met. The following is a detailed description in combination with the specific implementation method.

[0058] The tap water supply module consists of the following main components: tap water pipeline, purification device and booster pump. Among them: The tap water pipeline is connected to the external tap water source of the beverage station and is used to introduce tap water into the system; The purification device performs multi-stage filtration and treatment on tap water to ensure that the water quality meets drinking standards; The booster pump solves the problem of insufficient tap water supply pressure by providing high water pressure. It is especially suitable for scenarios where high water flow stability is required in beverage making.

[0059] The tap water supply module is in standby mode when the bottled water supply module is working normally. When the liquid level in the transfer tank is lower than the preset low threshold and the bottled water supply module cannot complete the water replenishment within the set time, the tap water supply module automatically switches to the main water supply source.

[0060] The purification device adopts a multi-stage filtration design, including a coarse filtration layer, an activated carbon filtration layer and a reverse osmosis membrane filtration layer. Specifically: The coarse filter layer is used to remove large particles of impurities in tap water, such as silt and suspended matter; The activated carbon filter layer absorbs odor, organic matter and some heavy metal ions in the water; The reverse osmosis membrane filtration layer removes dissolved solids, microorganisms and other impurities through high pressure, making the water quality reach drinking grade.

[0061] The filtration accuracy of the reverse osmosis membrane is 0.0001 micron, which can effectively remove bacteria, viruses and dissolved salts while retaining trace elements that are beneficial to the human body.

[0062] In order to extend the service life of the reverse osmosis membrane, the present invention adds a pretreatment module to the purification device. The pretreatment module removes accumulated pollutants on the surface of the reverse osmosis membrane through an automatic flushing function and reduces the frequency of equipment maintenance.

[0063] The booster pump is the core component of the tap water supply module, which is used to provide compensatory water pressure when the tap water pressure is insufficient to ensure the stability of water supply. The design parameters of the booster pump include: The working flow range is 0.5 to 1.5 liters per second; The output pressure range is 0.2~0.6 MPa; It has automatic start and stop function and can dynamically adjust the operating status according to the signal of the pressure monitoring module.

[0064] Specifically, when the pressure monitoring module detects that the pipeline pressure is lower than the set threshold (for example, 0.3 MPa), the booster pump will automatically start and maintain the pressure within the target range through a closed-loop control system.

[0065] The booster pump works in conjunction with the transfer tank level signal. For example, when the level sensor detects that the tank level is below the low level threshold, the booster pump's operating flow rate satisfies the following formula: Where: Q b is the real-time flow rate of the booster pump, in liters per second (L / s); L target is the target liquid level, usually the high level of the transfer water tank; L(t) is the current liquid level, in liters (L); ΔT is the preset water replenishment time, in seconds (s).

[0066] The booster pump achieves precise flow control through the controller module, thus avoiding the impact of overpressure or underpressure on the water supply system and beverage preparation.

[0067] The working mode of the tap water supply module includes the following stages: Detection and switching When the liquid level in the transfer tank is lower than the low threshold, the controller module first tries to start the bottled water supply module to complete the water replenishment task. If the bottled water supply module fails to provide enough water within the preset time, the controller module immediately switches to the tap water supply module and starts the purification device and booster pump at the same time.

[0068] After the dynamic flow regulating tap water supply module is started, the controller module dynamically adjusts the flow output of the booster pump according to the real-time liquid level of the transfer water tank and the flow required for beverage production to meet the precise requirements for water volume and water pressure during the beverage production process.

[0069] When the liquid level in the transfer water tank reaches the high threshold, the tap water supply module stops working and enters the standby state. At the same time, the purification device cleans the filter element through the automatic flushing function and prepares for the next water supply task.

[0070] In order to ensure the safety and stability of the system, the tap water supply module has set up a variety of fault protection mechanisms. For example, when the reverse osmosis membrane of the purification device is blocked or the water quality cannot meet the preset standards, the controller module prompts the user to perform maintenance through the user interface module; If the pipeline pressure continues to exceed the target range (such as exceeding 0.6 MPa) when the booster pump is running, the system will automatically shut down and trigger an alarm signal.

[0071] The tap water supply module is also equipped with a backup pressure sensor to provide pressure data when the main sensor fails, ensuring the redundant reliability of the system operation.

[0072] The tap water supply module achieves accurate satisfaction of dynamic water supply needs through collaboration with the transfer water tank module and the controller module. For example: The signal from the liquid level sensor determines the start and stop of the tap water supply module; The working status of the booster pump directly affects the liquid level change of the transfer water tank, thereby indirectly affecting the overall operating balance of the system.

[0073] In addition, the combination of the tap water supply module and the pressure monitoring module enables the system to automatically adjust the water supply flow according to real-time pressure changes, avoiding the impact of excessive or low pressure on beverage production.

[0074] A pressure monitoring module is used to monitor the pressure of the water supply pipeline in real time and generate a pressure signal; Specifically, the pressure monitoring module is an important component to ensure the stability and safety of the water supply process. The main function of the pressure monitoring module is to monitor the pressure status in the water supply pipeline in real time, and feed back the pressure signal to the controller module for regulating the operation of the booster pump and the switching of the water supply mode. In the entire system, the pressure monitoring module not only directly affects the quality of beverage production, but also indirectly affects the liquid level control of the transfer water tank module and the working efficiency of the water supply module. The structure, principle and collaboration of the pressure monitoring module with other modules are described in detail below in combination with the specific implementation method.

[0075] The pressure monitoring module detects the pressure value in the water supply pipeline in real time through the pressure sensor, and transmits the pressure signal to the controller module in analog or digital form. The pressure monitoring module is designed to ensure that the water supply pressure during the beverage making process is always within the set range, thereby meeting the water pressure requirements of different beverage making.

[0076] The pressure monitoring module is mainly used in the following scenarios: Check the pressure of the booster pump output pipeline to ensure that the water supply pressure meets the beverage production requirements; Determine whether there is abnormal pressure fluctuation in the water supply pipeline to prevent equipment damage caused by excessively high or low pressure; Providing reference signals for switching the water supply mode, the auxiliary controller module realizes dynamic switching between the bottled water supply mode and the tap water supply mode.

[0077] The pressure monitoring module includes a main pressure sensor and a backup pressure sensor. The main sensor is used for daily detection, and the backup sensor is used for redundant detection when the main sensor fails to improve the reliability of the system.

[0078] The pressure sensor uses a high-precision resistance strain sensor, whose core working principle is to convert the film deformation caused by pressure into an electrical signal, which is amplified and digitized by the signal conditioning circuit to finally generate pressure data. As an option, the sensor has a range of 0 to 1 MPa and an accuracy of ±0.01 MPa to meet the water pressure requirements of different beverage production.

[0079] Specifically, the pressure sensor is directly installed at the outlet of the booster pump or on the water supply main pipeline through a pipeline interface. In some embodiments, in order to improve the accuracy of the detection, the installation position of the pressure sensor is at least 10 times the pipe diameter length away from the pipe elbow or valve to reduce the impact of pipeline flow interference on the detection results.

[0080] The output signal of the pressure sensor is transmitted to the controller module in the form of voltage or current (such as 0-10V or 4-20mA). In the controller module, the pressure signal is used as the key input variable of pressure control after A / D conversion.

[0081] In order to achieve dynamic control of water supply pressure, the pressure monitoring module works together with the booster pump. Its working logic includes three parts: pressure detection, signal feedback and booster pump adjustment.

[0082] Specifically, the pressure monitoring module detects the water supply pressure P(t) in real time through the pressure sensor and compares it with the preset target pressure P target If the pressure deviation is detected to exceed the set threshold, the controller module calculates the working parameters of the booster pump using the following formula: Q b =k p ·(P target -P(t))+k i ·∫(P target -P(t))dt Where: Q b is the real-time output flow of the booster pump, in liters per second (L / s); P target is the target pressure in MPa; P(t) is the current pressure in MPa; k p is the proportional gain coefficient; k i is the integral gain coefficient, which is used to eliminate steady-state deviation.

[0083] Through the above formula, the pressure monitoring module and the controller module form a closed-loop control system to ensure that the water supply pressure is always stable within the target range.

[0084] In order to prevent the booster pump from starting and stopping frequently, a dead zone range can be set for the pressure deviation. target When -P(t)| is less than the dead zone range, the booster pump maintains the current operating state and no adjustment is performed.

[0085] In order to improve the safety and reliability of the system, the pressure monitoring module is equipped with a variety of fault detection and alarm functions. For example: When the pressure monitoring module detects the following conditions, it will immediately send a fault signal to the controller module: If the pressure value is continuously lower than the set minimum pressure threshold (such as 0.1 MPa), it may indicate a water supply pipeline leak or a booster pump failure; if the pressure value is continuously higher than the set maximum pressure threshold (such as 0.8 MPa), it may indicate that the pipeline is blocked or the valve is not opened normally.

[0086] When a fault signal is triggered, the controller module will take the following protection measures: Stop the booster pump to prevent damage to pipelines or equipment due to overpressure; The user interface module displays alarm information to the user and provides maintenance suggestions.

[0087] The pressure monitoring module can also combine the detection data of the backup pressure sensor to make fault judgments to avoid system shutdowns due to false alarms from the main sensor.

[0088] The synergy between the pressure monitoring module, the water supply module and the transfer water tank module is reflected in the following aspects: Specifically, the pressure signal is an important basis for the controller module to control the booster pump. For example, when the bottled water supply module cannot meet the water supply demand due to insufficient pressure, the controller module switches to the tap water supply module according to the signal provided by the pressure monitoring module and starts the booster pump to increase the water supply pressure.

[0089] In addition, the detection results of the pressure monitoring module also affect the liquid level control logic of the transfer water tank. For example, during peak water usage, when the pressure monitoring module detects that the pressure drops below the set threshold, the controller module will trigger the water supply module to replenish water in advance to avoid the situation where the liquid level is too low due to water supply delay.

[0090] A controller module, connected with the liquid level sensor, the pressure monitoring module, the bottled water supply module and the tap water supply module, for dynamically controlling the switching of the water supply mode and adjusting the water supply flow according to the liquid level signal and the pressure signal, and triggering an alarm when the liquid level signal or the pressure signal is abnormal; Specifically, the controller module is the core control component of the system, responsible for receiving signals from the liquid level sensor and pressure sensor, and realizing the dynamic switching of the water supply module, the precise regulation of the water supply flow, and the monitoring and alarm of the abnormal state of the system according to the received signals. The controller module makes logical decisions for the entire system through embedded algorithms to ensure the stability of water supply and the continuity of beverage production. The following is a detailed description of the structural design, control logic and collaborative work of the controller module with other modules in combination with the specific implementation method.

[0091] The main functions of the controller module include: Receive and process signals from level sensors and pressure sensors; Dynamically switch between bottled water supply module and tap water supply module; Adjust the working status of the booster pump to ensure that the water flow and pressure meet the needs of beverage production; Provide alarms for abnormal conditions (such as water supply interruption or abnormal pressure) and prompt users through the user interface module; It provides power failure status recording and recovery function, and can automatically restore to the operating state before power failure after power failure, avoiding water supply interruption during beverage making process.

[0092] The controller module monitors and adjusts key variables in the water supply process (such as liquid level, pressure and flow) in real time through logic control based on embedded algorithms, thereby achieving fully automated water supply management.

[0093] The controller module adopts an embedded hardware platform, including a microprocessor, a signal acquisition unit and a storage unit. Specifically: The microprocessor is used to execute the logic algorithm, process the input signal in real time, and output the control instruction according to the control logic; the signal acquisition unit is connected with the liquid level sensor and the pressure sensor, and is used to collect the analog signal and convert it into a digital signal through A / D conversion; The storage unit is used to record the system operation status, including liquid level status, pressure status and water supply mode, etc., to support power failure recovery function.

[0094] The controller module adopts a dual-core processor structure, one core is used to execute real-time control algorithms, and the other core is used to process non-real-time tasks (such as data logging and user interface interaction) to improve the system's response speed and operating efficiency.

[0095] The controller module implements water supply management based on the liquid level dynamic model and pressure closed-loop control algorithm. Its working process is as follows: When the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level in the transfer tank is lower than the preset low-level threshold, the controller module selects to start the bottled water supply module or the tap water supply module according to the current water supply mode. Specifically: If the bottled water supply module is in normal state, the controller module sends a start command to control the water pump to start supplying water, and calculates the water flow rate according to the following formula: Where: Q a is the pumping flow rate of bottled water, in liters per second (L / s); L target is the target liquid level; L(t) is the current liquid level; ΔT is the estimated water replenishment time.

[0096] If the bottled water supply module cannot complete the water replenishment within the set time, the controller module switches to the tap water supply module and starts the purification device and the booster pump at the same time. The working flow of the booster pump satisfies the following relationship: Q b =k p ·(P target -P(t))+k i ·∫(P target -P(t))dt Where: Q b is the booster pump flow rate; P target is the target pressure; P(t) is the current pressure; k p Proportional gain coefficient; k i is the integral gain coefficient.

[0097] When the liquid level in the transfer water tank reaches the high threshold, the controller module stops the operation of the water supply module and switches the system to standby mode.

[0098] The controller module is equipped with a power-off status recording function. When the system is powered off, the controller module records the current operating status through the internal storage unit, including the following: Current water supply mode (bottled water supply module or tap water supply module); The liquid level status of the transfer tank; The working status of the booster pump (such as pressure setting value, flow rate, etc.).

[0099] After power is restored, the controller module reads the recorded data in the storage unit and automatically restores to the operating mode before the power failure according to the recorded status. For example, if the system is in the bottled water supply mode and the transfer tank liquid level is low when the power is off, the controller module will immediately start the bottled water supply module to replenish water without the user having to reset the water supply mode.

[0100] The controller module detects abnormal conditions that may occur during the water supply process by monitoring the liquid level and pressure status in real time, and issues alarm prompts to the user through the user interface module. Specific abnormal conditions include: If the level remains below the minimum threshold, it may indicate that the water module is not functioning properly; Pressure below the minimum pressure threshold may indicate a leak in the water supply line or a malfunction of the booster pump; Pressures above the maximum pressure threshold may indicate a clogged line or a valve that is not opening properly.

[0101] When an abnormal situation occurs, the controller module will take the following protective measures: Stop the water supply module to prevent system damage; Prompt the user to perform maintenance via the user interface module; The alarm information can also be sent to the background server through the networking function, which is convenient for maintenance personnel to conduct remote diagnosis.

[0102] In order to ensure the stability of the water supply process, the controller module analyzes the system based on the Lyapunov stability function. The Lyapunov function is defined as follows: Where: L(t) is the liquid level of the transfer tank; P(t) is the water supply pressure.

[0103] The stability conditions are: When the above conditions are met, the water supply process of the system is considered to be stable.

[0104] The controller module works closely with the transfer water tank module, water supply module and pressure monitoring module to achieve fully automated management of the water supply process. For example: The signal from the liquid level sensor is the main basis for the controller module to judge the water supply demand; The signal from the pressure monitoring module provides closed-loop control for the operation of the booster pump; The user interface module displays system status and alarm information through instructions from the controller module.

[0105] The user interface module is used to display the water supply status, liquid level status and alarm information, and accept the beverage making requirements input by the user.

[0106] Specifically, the user interface module is the core component for the interaction between the system and the user. Its functions include displaying the current water supply status, liquid level status, system alarm information, and receiving the user's beverage making requirements. The user interface module works closely with the controller module and is responsible for presenting the operating status of the water supply system to the user in a visual manner, while providing real-time operation feedback to enhance the user experience. The following is a detailed description of the implementation of the user interface module in conjunction with the specific implementation method.

[0107] The main functions of the user interface module include: Real-time display of the liquid level status (high, low, ultra-low) of the transfer water tank and the pressure status of the water supply pipeline; Display alarm information and provide maintenance instructions when abnormal conditions occur (such as water supply interruption or insufficient pressure); Receive the beverage making requirements input by the user and pass the requirement information to the controller module; Displays the current system water supply mode (bottled water supply mode or tap water supply mode) to help users understand the system operation status.

[0108] The user interface module enables users to quickly understand the operating status of the system through an intuitive graphical interface. The user interface module also supports multi-language switching to meet the needs of different users.

[0109] The user interface module uses a color touch screen as a display and input device with a resolution of 800×480 pixels and supports multi-touch operation. Specifically: The display part includes a liquid level display area, a pressure display area, an alarm prompt area and a water supply mode display area; The input section includes a drink selection menu and a confirmation button.

[0110] The user interface module runs through an embedded operating system (such as RTOS or Linux), and the display interface is generated by the controller module. The interface elements include dynamically updated liquid level status icons, pressure status bars and text prompt information.

[0111] The user interface module also integrates a voice prompt function. When the system alarm occurs, the user interface module can prompt the user with the specific alarm cause and solution in the form of voice.

[0112] The user interface module displays the liquid level status of the transfer tank to the user in a graphical form by interacting with the signal of the controller module. When the liquid level is at a high level, a green liquid level bar is displayed, indicating that the water tank is full; When the liquid level is low, a yellow liquid level bar will be displayed, and a message "refilling" will be displayed; When the liquid level is in an ultra-low state, a red liquid level bar is displayed and a "water supply interruption" alarm message pops up.

[0113] The liquid level display area can also update the liquid level value in real time. For example, it can display "Current liquid level: 1.2L" so that users can intuitively understand the remaining water volume in the water tank.

[0114] The user interface module displays the current pressure status of the water supply pipeline through the pressure signal obtained by the pressure monitoring module. Specifically: The pressure status is presented in the form of a dynamic pressure bar, and the length of the pressure bar changes with the pressure value; When the pressure value is within the normal range (such as 0.2-0.6 MPa), the pressure bar is displayed in green; When the pressure value is lower than the set threshold (such as 0.2 MPa), the pressure bar will be displayed in red, and a message will be displayed saying "Insufficient pressure may affect the quality of beverage production"; When the pressure value is higher than the set threshold (such as 0.6 MPa), the pressure bar will be displayed in yellow and a prompt will appear: "Pressure is too high, please check the water supply pipeline."

[0115] In order to improve the user's understanding efficiency, the pressure status can also be presented in the form of a chart, such as a line chart or a bar chart, to show the real-time change trend of the pressure value.

[0116] When an abnormality occurs in the water supply system, the user interface module sends an alarm message to the user through pop-up windows and sound prompts. Specifically: When the liquid level sensor detects that the water tank level is lower than the minimum threshold, the interface pops up "Water supply interrupted, please check the bottled water or tap water connection"; When the pressure monitoring module detects that the pipeline pressure is too low or too high, the interface pops up "Abnormal water supply pressure, please check the booster pump"; after the power is restored, the interface prompts "The system has been restored to the state before the power outage."

[0117] The content of the alarm prompt area can display maintenance instructions according to the specific alarm type. For example, when the water supply pipeline is blocked, the user is prompted to check the valve or clean the pipeline.

[0118] The beverage selection menu of the user interface module includes a variety of beverage options, such as coffee, milk tea, juice, etc. The user selects the required beverage type and volume through the touch screen, and after confirmation, the system transmits the demand information to the controller module.

[0119] Specifically, the beverage making requirements input by the user include: The type of drink, such as "hot coffee" or "iced juice"; The volume of the drink, such as "250ml" or "500ml".

[0120] To further enhance the user experience, the interface can display the preparation time and required ingredients for each drink. For example, when selecting "milk tea", it will prompt "preparation time is about 45 seconds, and 400ml of water is required."

[0121] The user interface module dynamically displays the current system water supply mode (bottled water supply mode or tap water supply mode) through the water supply mode display area. Specifically: When the system is in bottled water supply mode, the interface displays "Bottled water supply"; When the system switches to tap water supply mode, the interface displays "Tap water supply in progress".

[0122] In order to help users understand the system operation status, the interface can also display the reason for switching the water supply mode, for example, "Bottled water supply failed, and has been switched to tap water supply."

[0123] The user interface module also provides historical data query function, and users can view the system operation log through the interface. For example: Display the time and reason of the most recent water supply mode switch; Display the liquid level change curve and pressure change curve for the past 24 hours.

[0124] These data are recorded by the controller module and synchronized to the user interface module, making it easier for users to analyze the operation of the system.

[0125] The user interface module realizes the visual management of the water supply system by working in conjunction with the controller module. For example: The liquid level and pressure signals are processed by the controller module and transmitted to the user interface module to form an intuitive graphical display; The user's beverage making requirements are collected by the user interface module and transmitted to the controller module as input conditions for beverage making.

[0126] In addition, the user interface module also links with the alarm system to enable users to promptly learn of system operation anomalies and take corresponding measures.

[0127] Please refer to the attached Figure 2 The embodiment of the present invention provides a water control method at a self-service beverage station, comprising the following steps: Obtain the water tank liquid level signal through the liquid level sensor to determine whether it is lower than the low level threshold; If the liquid level is lower than the low threshold, the bottled water supply module will be activated first to replenish water; If the bottled water supply module fails to complete water replenishment within the preset time, it will switch to the tap water supply module for water replenishment; Determine whether the water supply pressure is lower than the preset pressure threshold. If so, directly start the tap water supply module and supplement the water pressure through the booster pump; Dynamically adjust the water supply flow rate according to the real-time liquid level and pressure to meet the user's beverage making needs; When the liquid level drops to the minimum threshold, an alarm is triggered and a “sold out” status is displayed on the user interface; After the power is restored, the system reads the water supply status before the power outage and automatically resumes operation.

[0128] Specifically, the present invention provides a water control method applied to the water control system of a self-service beverage station, which can realize the dynamic switching and intelligent regulation of the water supply module to meet the real-time demand for water supply flow and pressure during the beverage production process. This method combines the real-time monitoring signals of the liquid level sensor and the pressure sensor, regulates the water supply flow based on a dynamic model, and provides exception handling and power failure recovery functions to ensure the efficient operation of the system and user experience. The following is an expanded description of the technical content of the method.

[0129] Liquid level signal acquisition and low level judgment The liquid level sensor monitors the liquid level of the transfer water tank in real time and transmits the liquid level signal to the controller module. The controller module analyzes the liquid level signal to determine whether the current liquid level is lower than the preset low level threshold. If it is lower than the threshold, it means that the water in the water tank is insufficient and may not meet the needs of beverage production. At this time, the controller module starts the water replenishment operation.

[0130] The detection accuracy of the liquid level sensor can reach ±0.01L, which can ensure the accuracy of low-level judgment and avoid misjudgment due to signal fluctuations.

[0131] Priority management of water replenishment module When the liquid level is lower than the low threshold, the controller module will first start the bottled water supply module to replenish water. If the bottled water supply module fails to complete the replenishment operation within the preset time, the controller module will automatically switch to the tap water supply module and complete the water supply task through the purification device and booster pump.

[0132] As an optimization design, the controller module can dynamically adjust the time threshold for bottled water replenishment based on the historical needs of users for beverage preparation. For example, during peak hours (i.e. when the frequency of user orders is high), the preset time for bottled water can be shortened appropriately to speed up the switching of water supply modes and improve the system response speed.

[0133] Judgment and Regulation of Water Supply Pressure In this method, the pressure state of the water supply pipeline is monitored in real time by a pressure sensor. When the pressure is detected to be lower than the preset pressure threshold, the controller module directly starts the tap water supply module and replenishes the water pressure through the booster pump to ensure that the water supply pressure can meet the needs of beverage making.

[0134] Specifically, the starting parameters of the booster pump are calculated based on the pressure dynamic model to satisfy the following relationship: Q b =k p ·(P target -P(t))+k i ·∫(P target -P(t))dt Where: Q b is the real-time flow of the booster pump; P target is the target pressure; P(t) is the current pressure; k p and k i are the proportional gain coefficient and the integral gain coefficient respectively.

[0135] The above formula ensures that the water supply pressure can be quickly restored to the target value, while avoiding the impact of pressure fluctuations on the quality of beverage production. Dynamic regulation of water supply flow Based on the real-time liquid level and pressure status, the controller module dynamically calculates the water replenishment flow to meet the needs of beverage production. The regulation of water supply flow is based on the following dynamic model: When using bottled water, the water replenishment flow rate meets the following requirements: When using tap water, the water replenishment flow rate meets the following requirements: Where: Q a and Q b are the real-time flow rates of bottled water and tap water respectively; L target is the target liquid level; L(t) is the current liquid level; ΔT is the preset water replenishment time.

[0136] Through the above formula, the system can optimize water supply efficiency and reduce resource waste while meeting users' beverage needs.

[0137] Alarm prompts and status feedback When the liquid level further drops to the minimum threshold, the controller module triggers an alarm and displays the "sold out" status to the user through the user interface module. At this time, the system stops all beverage production tasks to prevent the situation of half-finished beverages.

[0138] The alarm prompts remind users through both a graphical interface and voice prompts, while also providing maintenance suggestions. For example, when the "sold out" status is displayed, the interface will prompt the user to check the bottled water supply or contact maintenance personnel.

[0139] Power failure recording and recovery This method provides a power failure status recording and recovery function. When a power failure occurs, the controller module automatically records the current water supply status, including the water supply mode (bottled water or tap water), the transfer tank level and pressure status. After the power failure is restored, the controller module reads the recorded data and automatically recovers to the operating state before the power failure.

[0140] For example: If the system is using bottled water for replenishment before the power outage, the controller module will continue to complete the bottled water replenishment operation after the power outage is restored; If the system is in the "Sold Out" state before the power outage, the interface will still prompt the "Sold Out" state after the power outage is restored until the user changes the water source.

[0141] This function can effectively reduce the manual intervention required for system recovery and improve the system's automation level.

[0142] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A water control system for a self-service beverage station, characterized in that: include: A transfer water tank module, used to store the intermediate water source in the beverage making process, wherein at least one liquid level sensor is arranged in the transfer water tank module, used to detect the water tank liquid level in real time and generate a liquid level signal; The bottled water supply module includes a water pump for extracting water from the bottled water source. The module receives a liquid level signal and starts pumping water when the liquid level is lower than a preset threshold value. A tap water supply module, including a tap water pipeline, a purification device and a booster pump, wherein the tap water supply module receives a liquid level signal and starts water replenishment when the bottled water supply module cannot meet the demand; A pressure monitoring module is used to monitor the pressure of the water supply pipeline in real time and generate a pressure signal; A controller module, connected with the liquid level sensor, the pressure monitoring module, the bottled water supply module and the tap water supply module, for dynamically controlling the switching of the water supply mode and adjusting the water supply flow according to the liquid level signal and the pressure signal, and triggering an alarm when the liquid level signal or the pressure signal is abnormal; The user interface module is used to display the water supply status, liquid level status and alarm information, and accept the beverage making requirements input by the user.

2. A self-service beverage station water control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller module implements the following switching logic based on the liquid level signal: When the liquid level is lower than the preset low threshold, the bottled water supply module is activated first; If the bottled water supply module fails to supply water within the preset time, it will switch to the tap water supply module; When the liquid level continues to fall below the low threshold or the water supply is interrupted, an alarm is triggered and the sold-out status is displayed.

3. The water control system for a self-service beverage station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transfer water tank module is designed so that: Its capacity meets the needs of making at least two cups of drinks, and can still complete the user's current drink making task even when it is in the low position; When the liquid level drops to the minimum threshold, the transfer water tank module triggers the system display screen to prompt the sold-out status through the liquid level signal to prevent the user from failing to place an order.

4. The water control system for a self-service beverage station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The purification device is a multi-stage purification structure, which can filter tap water, remove impurities and reduce hardness to make it meet drinking water standards.

5. The water control system for a self-service beverage station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller module has the following functions: Record the system's operating parameters when the power is off, including the tank level, water supply pressure and water supply method; After power is restored, the water supply mode and operating status before the power outage will be automatically restored based on the recorded parameters without manual resetting.

6. The water control system for a self-service beverage station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure monitoring module displays the pressure status to the user through the user interface module, and issues an alarm message when the water supply pressure is lower than the minimum pressure threshold required for beverage making.

7. The water control system for a self-service beverage station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller module calculates the water supply flow rate according to the real-time status of the liquid level and user demand by establishing a dynamic model of liquid level change, satisfying the following relationship: When the bottled water supply module is working, the water supply flow is: Where: L target is the target liquid level, L(t) is the current liquid level, and ΔT is the time interval; When the tap water supply module is working, the water supply flow is: Where: Q b For tap water flow.

8. The water control system for a self-service beverage station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller module determines the switching stability through the Lyapunov stability function based on the system state feedback and the dynamic change of the liquid level, wherein the stability determination function is: Where: L(t) is the water tank liquid level, P(t) is the water supply pressure.

9. A water control method at a self-service beverage station, applied to the system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Obtain the water tank liquid level signal through the liquid level sensor to determine whether it is lower than the low level threshold; If the liquid level is lower than the low threshold, the bottled water supply module will be activated first to replenish water; If the bottled water supply module fails to complete water replenishment within the preset time, it will switch to the tap water supply module for water replenishment; Determine whether the water supply pressure is lower than the preset pressure threshold. If so, directly start the tap water supply module and supplement the water pressure through the booster pump; Dynamically adjust the water supply flow rate according to the real-time liquid level and pressure to meet the user's beverage making needs; When the liquid level drops to the minimum threshold, an alarm is triggered and the sold-out status is displayed on the user interface; After the power is restored, the system reads the water supply status before the power outage and automatically resumes operation.

10. A water control method for a self-service beverage station according to claim 9, characterized in that: The water supply flow control is calculated according to the following dynamic model: When using bottled water, the flow rate meets the following requirements: When using tap water, the flow rate meets: Where: L target is the target liquid level, L(t) is the current liquid level, and ΔT is the time interval.

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