AUTOMATED APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PREPARING HOT BEVERAGES - Patent application

Abstract

A device for preparing a beverage, comprising a body, a heat source, a sensing unit comprising at least a first temperature sensor, a control system, a user interface and means for vertically translating said sensing unit in an up-down direction, wherein a container is used with said device for preparing said beverage, and ingredients of said beverage are placed in said container before activating said device to start preparation of said beverage.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 2022900337, filed February 16, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to kitchen appliances, and more particularly, to kitchen appliances for preparing hot beverages. [Background technology]

[0003] Preparing hot specialty beverages at home requires brewing skills, is time-consuming, and requires great care to prevent liquids, such as milk, from bubbling out of the pot during the beverage preparation process. For example, chai is prepared by boiling at least tea leaves and / or tea powder in milk, and possibly water, herbs, spices, and sweeteners. Brewing tea and spices in milk is beneficial because the milk helps extract more flavor and color from the tea leaves. However, to extract more optimal flavor, milk and / or water must be boiled several times, which is time-consuming, and requires great care to prevent liquids from bubbling out of the pot. There is a need for an automated device for preparing hot beverages to reduce the time and care required for consumers to prepare beverages. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the technology described herein in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key / critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the detailed description presented below.

[0005] Some embodiments provide a device for preparing a beverage comprising a body, a heat source, a sensing unit comprising at least a first temperature sensor, a control system, a user interface, and means for vertically translating said sensing unit in an up-down direction, wherein a container is used with said device for preparing said beverage, and at least some ingredients of said beverage are placed in said container prior to activating said device to commence preparation of said beverage.

[0006] Some aspects include a method of preparing a beverage using a device, comprising: placing ingredients for the beverage in a container; translating a sensing unit of the device vertically downward from a standby position to an operating position by a mechanism of the device; receiving at least one input by a user interface of the device and activating the device to begin preparation of the beverage; adjusting, by a control system of the device, the output of a heat source based on a temperature measured by a first temperature sensor during preparation of the beverage; and translating, by the mechanism of the device, vertically upward from the operating position to the standby position when preparation of the beverage is completed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] 1A-1F and 2 show an example of a device for preparing a beverage that includes a manual mechanism for vertically translating a sensing unit, according to some embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 3 shows an example of a device for preparing a beverage including an autonomous mechanism for vertically translating a sensing unit, according to some embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a sensing unit, according to some embodiments.

[0010] 5A and 5B show an example of a device for preparing a beverage including a liquid reservoir, according to some embodiments.

[0011] 5C and 5D show an example of a container and a barcoded tea bag according to some embodiments.

[0012] 5E and 5F show an example of a container with a hook for hanging a tea bag, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to certain embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other examples, well-known process steps and / or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. Furthermore, it should be emphasized that several advanced technologies have been described, and the embodiments are not limited to systems incorporating all of these technologies, as various cost and engineering tradeoffs may warrant a system that may provide only a subset of the advantages described herein, or that would become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0014] The embodiments provide a device for autonomously preparing hot beverages such as chai, hot chocolate, London fog, etc. The device comprises a body, a heat source for heating the beverage ingredients, a container for holding the beverage ingredients, a sensing unit with at least a first temperature sensor, a control system, a mechanism for vertically translating the sensing unit manually or autonomously, and a user interface with at least a first button (physical or touch screen) for activating the device to start the preparation of the beverage. Examples of heat sources that may be used include a plate with a resistive coil, a plate with an induction system, or other types of heat sources. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a housing for housing the sensing unit when the sensor is not in use and is in a standby state. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a main power switch located at the rear of the device and holes located on the bottom of the device for dissipating heat. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a fan for heat dissipation.

[0015] In one embodiment, beverage ingredients are placed in the container. For example, for a chai beverage, ingredients including at least some of milk, water, tea leaves, powders, herbs / spices, and sweeteners are placed in the container. The sensing unit is translated vertically downwards manually or autonomously until a sensor tip of the first temperature sensor is at a specific distance from a top surface of the mixture of ingredients in the container. In a preferred embodiment, the distance from the sensor tip to the top surface of the mixture is 1-5 centimeters. If the vertical translation of the sensing unit is automated, actuation of the first button causes the mechanism to autonomously translate vertically downwards from a standby position where the sensing unit is housed in the housing to an operating position where the sensing unit is at an operating position such that the sensor tip of the first temperature sensor is at a specific distance (preferably 1-5 centimeters) from a top surface of the ingredients in the container. Also, actuation of the first button causes the heat source to provide an output to heat the ingredients in the container. If the vertical translation of the sensing unit is manual, the sensing unit is manually translated vertically downward from the standby position to the operating position before activating the first button to initiate beverage preparation. In some embodiments, other means may be used to activate the device to initiate beverage preparation. For example, a sensor located on the device may detect a signal received from the smart device, which activates the device to initiate beverage preparation. Other methods for communicating instructions to the device are described further below.

[0016] In some embodiments, a first temperature sensor is coupled to the heat source system via a control system. During preparation of the beverage, the first temperature sensor provides real-time feedback to the control system, which adjusts the output of the heat source based on the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the control system adjusts the output of the heat source by switching the heat source on and off or by controlling the amount of current supplied to the heat source.

[0017] As the mixture is heated to boiling, particularly for milk-based beverages, the top surface of the ingredient mixture rises. As the top surface of the ingredient mixture rises, it may come into contact with or adhere to the sensor tip of the first temperature sensor. This sudden temperature increase is detected by the first temperature sensor and sent to the control system. The control system adjusts the output of the heat source based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the control system turns off the heat source and reduces the heat provided to the ingredient mixture when it detects a temperature rate increase of at least 0.4° C. per second (or a different temperature rate threshold in other embodiments). The temperature rate threshold may be different or the same for different boiling cycles. In some embodiments, the control system reduces the amount of current supplied to the heat source to reduce the heat provided to the ingredient mixture. As a result, the ingredient mixture cools and the top surface of the mixture drops again. This sudden temperature drop is detected by the first temperature sensor and sent to the control system. The control system adjusts the output of the heat source and initiates an additional boiling cycle or stops the process. In some embodiments, the control system will turn on the heat source or increase the amount of current provided to the heat source to initiate additional boiling cycles when it detects a temperature rate drop of at least 0.4°C per second (or a different temperature rate threshold in other embodiments). The temperature rate threshold may be different or the same for different boiling cycles. In some embodiments, the control system will initiate additional boiling cycles after a time delay from when the temperature spike is detected or when the control system turns off or reduces the amount of current provided to the heat source. During this delay time, reducing the amount of current provided to the heat source for brewing may help to optimize brewing or extract more aroma. In some embodiments, the control system will determine when to initiate additional boiling based on the detection of the temperature spike and the delay time. In some embodiments, the control system will initiate additional boiling cycles using the same or different delay times for different boiling cycles. The control system will stop the process based on the number of boiling cycles.In some embodiments, the user interface further comprises a second button (physical or touch screen) for selecting the strength of the beverage. In some embodiments, the number of boiling cycles is determined based on the strength of the selected beverage. In some embodiments, the second button is activated one, two, or three consecutive times for low, medium, or high intensity, respectively, with low, medium, and high intensities corresponding to one, two, and three boiling cycles, respectively. The strength of the beverage is selected using the second button prior to activating the first button. In some embodiments, the device emits a sound upon completion of the process. The sensing unit manually or autonomously returns to a standby position after completion of the process. Once the beverage preparation process is completed, the beverage is poured from the container into one or more cups for consumption.

[0018] In some embodiments, before starting the preparation of the beverage, a capsule for containing tea leaves, powders (e.g. black tea powder, hot chocolate powder), herbs / spices (e.g. cardamom, ginger, etc.), and / or sweeteners (e.g. sugar, honey, jaggery, etc.) is placed in the container with the water and / or milk. In some embodiments, before starting the preparation of the beverage, the tea leaves, powders, herbs / spices, and / or sweeteners, etc. are loosely suspended in the water and / or milk in the container. In some embodiments, before starting the preparation of the beverage, the tea leaves, powders, herbs / spices, and / or sweeteners, etc. are enclosed in a permeable / semi-permeable bag (e.g. tea bag), which is loosely suspended in the water and / or milk in the container. In some embodiments, the capsule or permeable / semi-permeable bag or other equivalent container for the ingredients is specially manufactured for use in the device. In some embodiments, one or a particular combination of tea leaves, powders, herbs / spices, and / or sweeteners, etc., in a single capsule or permeable / semi-permeable pouch, and one or more capsules or permeable / semi-permeable pouches are used to prepare a beverage (depending on consumer preference).

[0019] In some embodiments, the sensing unit further comprises at least one heat sink. In some embodiments, the at least one heat sink is cylindrical. However, the shape of the at least one heat sink may be different. In some embodiments, the at least one heat sink is positioned such that the heat sink tip of the at least one heat sink is at the same height as the sensor tip of the first temperature sensor. In other embodiments, the heat sink tip is positioned such that it is vertically lower or higher than the sensor tip of the first temperature sensor. The position of the heat sink tip relative to the sensor tip of the first temperature sensor depends on the strength of the heat sink. The stronger the heat sink, the higher the heat sink tip can be relative to the sensor tip of the first temperature sensor. The at least one heat sink can prevent the mixture of ingredients from spilling out if it rises in the container. The at least one heat sink can act as a fail-safe in case the first temperature sensor malfunctions and the control system is unable to properly adjust the power of the heat source. In some embodiments, the at least one heat sink is manufactured from food grade stainless steel. Other materials can also be used to manufacture the at least one heat sink. In some embodiments, the heat sink may be in the form of an edge of the container (full or partial).

[0020] In some embodiments, the at least one heat sink is coupled with a heat sink temperature sensor. If the first temperature sensor malfunctions or fails, the first temperature sensor fails to measure an increase in temperature, which in turn outputs an increase in temperature to the control system. Thus, the heat source continues to provide heat output. In such a scenario, the heat sink continues to dissipate excess heat, and even when a decrease in the heat sink temperature is expected, the control system detects a continuation of an unexpectedly high heat sink temperature based on the output from the heat sink temperature sensor. This indicates a failure of the first temperature sensor, and as a result, the control system may turn off the heat source. In some embodiments, the heat source comprises a plate with an induction system, and the at least one heat sink may not be needed. In the induction type, the output of the heat source is reduced or turned off much sooner than with a resistive type heat plate. Thus, the at least one heat sink is more useful when the heat source comprises a resistive type heat plate, allowing the dissipation of excess heat while the resistive type heat plate continues to cool.

[0021] In some embodiments, the mechanism for manually vertically translating the sensing unit includes at least a rotatable knob, a rotational bearing, a lead screw, a linear bearing, and a connection plate to which the sensing unit is attached. The lead screw is fixed to the knob such that rotation of the knob rotates the lead screw, while the rotational bearing is in a predetermined position to smooth rotation of the lead screw. The connection plate to which the sensing unit is attached is translationally coupled to the lead screw, while the linear bearing is in a predetermined position to smooth linear translation of the connection plate and attached sensing unit. Rotating the knob in a first direction rotates the lead screw in a first direction and causes the connection plate and attached sensing unit to translate vertically in an upward direction. Rotating the knob in a second direction rotates the lead screw in a second direction and causes the connection plate and attached sensing unit to translate vertically in a downward direction. The mechanism for manually vertically translating the sensing unit is used to lower the sensing unit from the standby position (i.e., the housing) to the operating position (i.e., 1-5 centimeters from the top surface of the ingredient mixture) before activating the first button to activate the beverage preparation. The manual mechanism is also used to return the sensing unit to the standby position (i.e., the housing) after the beverage preparation is completed. Other mechanisms for manually vertically translating the sensing unit may be used to achieve the vertical translation of the sensing unit. For example, a rotary knob and a rack and pinion mechanism may be used for the vertical translation of the sensing unit. Alternatively, a vertical slide along a vertical linear bearing and a screw mechanism for tightening the sensing unit to a desired position may be used for the vertical translation of the sensing unit.

[0022] In some embodiments, the mechanism for autonomously vertically translating the sensing unit includes at least a distance sensor (e.g., ultrasonic sensor, LIDAR sensor, IR transmitter / receiver, etc.), a lead screw, a linear bearing, a motor that rotates the lead screw, a limit switch, and a connection plate to which the sensing unit is attached. The connection plate to which the sensing unit is attached is translationally coupled to the lead screw, while the linear bearing is in a predetermined position to smooth the linear translation of the connection plate and the attached sensing unit. Rotating the lead screw in a first direction causes the connection plate and the attached sensing unit to translate vertically upward, and rotating the lead screw in a second direction causes the connection plate and the attached sensing unit to translate vertically downward. The limit switch provides an indication that the connection plate and the sensing unit have reached an upper vertical limit or otherwise reached a standby position. Activating a first button causes the motor to lower the sensing unit from the housing of the device until the distance sensor measures a specific distance to the top surface of the raw material mixture. When the particular distance is reached, the sensor tip of the first temperature sensor is within a desired distance range (e.g., 1-5 centimeters) from the top surface of the raw material mixture. In another embodiment, the mechanism for autonomously vertically translating the sensing unit comprises at least a weight sensor for measuring the weight of the raw material placed in the container, a lead screw, a linear bearing, a motor for rotating the lead screw, a limit switch, and a connection plate to which the sensing unit is attached. Assuming that the volume of the container is known, the motor lowers the sensing unit a particular distance from the housing of the device based on the measured weight. When the particular distance is reached, the sensor tip of the first temperature sensor is within a desired distance range from the top surface of the raw material mixture. In one embodiment, the mechanism for autonomously vertically translating the sensing unit comprises at least a means for providing an input to the device (e.g., how many cups to prepare) (e.g., via a third button on the user interface), a lead screw, a linear bearing, a motor for rotating the lead screw, a limit switch, and a connection plate to which the sensing unit is attached.Given a known volume of the container, the motor lowers the sensing unit a specific distance from the housing of the device based on the input provided. When the specific distance is reached, the sensor tip of the first temperature sensor is within a desired distance from the top surface of the raw material mixture. In some embodiments, multiple manual and / or autonomous mechanisms for vertically translating the sensing unit are implemented in the device such that a malfunction of one mechanism does not prevent the device from functioning and such that the accuracy of one mechanism can be cross-checked with another mechanism. For example, a specific distance to lower the sensing unit determined based on a first autonomous mechanism can be confirmed and cross-checked with a specific distance to lower the sensing unit determined based on a second autonomous mechanism. In some embodiments, the device provides a notification (e.g., via a user interface of the device or an application on the smart device) when there is a discrepancy or inconsistency between the autonomous and / or manual mechanisms. Other manual and autonomous mechanisms for vertically translating the sensing unit may be used other than those described herein.

[0023] In some embodiments, a first side of the plate of the sensing unit is attached to the connection plate using a magnet. A first temperature sensor and at least one heat sink (if applicable) are attached to a second side of the plate of the sensing unit. When the sensing unit is attached to the connection plate, the leads of the first temperature sensor are electrically connected to the control system through the connection plate. Other means for attaching the sensing unit to the connection plate may be used, such as spring-loaded latch mechanisms, snap-fit ​​mechanisms, dovetail slot / keyway mechanisms, and screws (e.g., the sensing unit is screwed into or removed from the connection plate). In one example, when the sensing unit is aligned with the connection plate for attachment, the sensing unit automatically rotates and screws into place. The sensing unit may be automatically rotated to remove the sensing unit from the connection plate. In some embodiments, the device enters a cleaning mode for cleaning the sensing unit, where a mechanism autonomously moves the sensing unit vertically downward to a bottom position where it can be pulled, turned, twisted, or otherwise detached from the connection plate for wiping or rinsing / cleaning in a sink or dishwasher, depending on the attachment means. In some embodiments, the device enters the cleaning mode upon pressing and holding the first or second button, or upon actuation of another button disposed on the device, In some embodiments, the sensing unit is manually translated vertically to a bottom position using a manual mechanism.

[0024] In some embodiments, the user interface further comprises an input means for selecting a particular temperature or warming function (e.g., a button on the user interface or a dial or button for adjusting the displayed temperature) and a second temperature sensor coupled to the heat source and the control system. The control system adjusts the output of the heat source based on the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor such that a temperature corresponding to the particular temperature or warming function is maintained. This allows the contents of the container to be kept warm for later consumption of the beverage. In some embodiments, the control system adjusts the output of the heat source based on the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor such that a temperature corresponding to the particular temperature or warming function is maintained. In some embodiments, the control system adjusts the output of the heat source based on the temperatures measured by the first and second temperature sensors such that a temperature corresponding to the particular temperature or warming function is maintained.

[0025] In some embodiments, the device further comprises at least one tank. The at least one tank may comprise a first tank for milk and a second tank for water. In some embodiments, the user interface further comprises input means for selecting how many cups to brew, the proportion of milk and water to use in preparing the beverage, the type of beverage to be prepared, the beverage strength, the number of boil-cool cycles, and / or the specific ingredients (e.g., specific tea leaves, powders, sweeteners, etc.) to use in preparing the beverage. The device autonomously dispenses the appropriate amount of milk and / or water into the container based on any of the number of cups to brew, the proportion of milk and water to use in preparing the beverage, the time, the order of dispensing of milk and water, and / or the type of beverage to be prepared, before preparing the beverage. In some embodiments, an electronic pump is used to dispense the milk or water from the respective tank into the container. Other means may be used to transfer the milk or water from the respective tank into the container. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a cooling pad or cooling system to maintain the contents of the tank at a specific temperature (e.g., below 4°C). In some embodiments, the user interface further comprises input means for selecting a specific temperature.

[0026] In some embodiments, the device includes a mechanism that autonomously places, drips, or suspends capsules or permeable / semi-permeable bags of ingredients in a container based on any of the following: how many cups to brew, the percentage of milk and water used in preparing the beverage, the beverage strength, the number of boil-cool cycles, the type of beverage to be prepared, and / or the selected ingredients. In some embodiments, the permeable / semi-permeable bag (e.g., tea bag) is provided with a barcode or QR code, for example on the bag or on the end of a string attached to the bag. An imaging sensor located on the device captures and processes the code. By processing the code, the device retrieves at least one of the type of beverage to be brewed, the beverage strength, the percentage of milk and water and the dispense sequence, the percentage of time to brew the beverage with water and the percentage of time to brew the beverage with milk, and the time to brew the beverage after the boil cycle is completed. In some embodiments, the consumer is provided with a unique tea bag with a barcode / QR code for use with the device, allowing the consumer to prepare their own beverage, saving time that would be used to repeatedly input parameters into the device.

[0027] In some embodiments, the user interface further includes input means for selecting at least one of the following: the number of boil-cool cycles, how many cups to brew, the strength of the beverage, a specific time and / or day to autonomously start preparing the beverage (e.g., 5:00 AM every day or 8:00 AM Monday and Friday), the type of beverage (e.g., Chai, London Fog, hot chocolate, milk, etc.), the percentage of milk and water to use in preparing the beverage, the percentage of time to brew the beverage with water and the percentage of time to brew the beverage with milk, the time to brew the beverage after the boil cycle is completed, instructions for heating the beverage, instructions for starting, pausing, or stopping the beverage preparation process. In some embodiments, the user interface is used to program and store unique programs for preparing the beverage. The input means may include physical buttons and / or touch screen buttons. In some embodiments, the touch screen displays the status of the device (e.g., off, on, paused, standby, beverage preparation in progress, brewing complete, keeping warm, etc.), notifications (e.g., temperature sensor malfunction, weight sensor malfunction, etc.), process progress (e.g., displayed as a progress bar), the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, the weight measured by the weight sensor, the number of boil-cool cycles, how many cups to brew, the strength of the beverage, a specific time and / or day to autonomously start preparing the beverage, the type of beverage, the percentage of milk and water used to prepare the beverage, the percentage of time the beverage is brewed with water and the percentage of time the beverage is brewed with milk, and the time to brew the beverage after a boil cycle is completed.

[0028] In some embodiments, the device is wirelessly connected to an application running on the smart device and configured to display information related to the device and receive user input. In some embodiments, the application receives user input specifying at least one of the following: the number of boil-cool cycles, how many cups to brew, the strength of the beverage, a specific time and / or day to autonomously start preparing the beverage (e.g., 5:00 AM every day or 8:00 AM Monday and Friday), the type of beverage (e.g., Chai, London Fog, hot chocolate, milk, etc.), the percentage of milk and water to use in preparing the beverage, the percentage of time to brew the beverage with water and with milk, the time to brew the beverage after the boil cycle is completed, instructions to heat the beverage, and instructions to start, pause, or stop the beverage preparation process. In some embodiments, the application is used to program and store unique programs for preparing beverages. In some embodiments, the application displays the device status (e.g., off, on, paused, waiting, beverage preparation in progress, brewing complete, etc.), notifications (e.g., temperature sensor malfunction, weight sensor malfunction, etc.), process progress (e.g., displayed as a progress bar), the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, the weight measured by the weight sensor, the number of boil-cool cycles, how many cups to brew, the strength of the beverage, a specific time and / or day to autonomously start preparing the beverage, the type of beverage, the proportion of milk and water used to prepare the beverage, the proportion of time the beverage is brewed with water and the proportion of time the beverage is brewed with milk, and the time to brew the beverage after the boil cycle is completed.

[0029] In some embodiments, the device is wirelessly connected to a voice assistant (e.g., Alexa, Google Home, etc.). In some embodiments, instructions are given to the device by providing a voice command to the voice assistant. For example, a voice command "OK Google, make two cups of Chai" is received by the Google Home Assistant and the instruction is sent wirelessly to the device, and the device autonomously starts preparing two cups of Chai. In another example, a voice command "Alexa, make one cup of London Fog tomorrow morning at 7am" is received by the Alexa voice assistant and the instruction is sent wirelessly to the device, and the device autonomously starts preparing one cup of London Fog tomorrow morning at 7am. In some embodiments, the device is voice activated and the voice command is given directly to the device.

[0030] In some embodiments, the device further includes a protective cover that encases at least the sensor tip of the first temperature sensor to prevent any floating objects in the raw material mixture from causing damage or malfunction to the first temperature sensor. The protective cover may be made of mesh. In some embodiments, the protective cover is removable for cleaning.

[0031] In some embodiments, the container includes a hook for suspending at least one permeable / semi-permeable bag (e.g., tea bag, masala bag, etc.) in place or for restricting the movement of the bag within the container. In some embodiments, other accessories may be included in the device, such as a stirrer, a mesh strainer for containing some ingredients of the beverage (e.g., tea leaves, coffee grounds), a milk frother, etc. In some embodiments, the heat source is integrated with a magnetic stirring mechanism. A magnetic stirring bar (or a magnetic disk or other magnetic type) is placed in the container with the ingredients, and the magnetic stirring mechanism drives the movement of the magnetic stirring bar to stir the ingredients in the container. In some embodiments, the user interface includes input means for controlling the intensity of the stirring and / or for activating or deactivating the stirring function.

[0032] The device may be used to prepare various types of beverages (e.g., chai, London fog, hot chocolate, saffron milk, turmeric milk or latte, vanilla milk, South Indian filter coffee, etc.) or to heat beverages (e.g., milk). In some embodiments, the device is used to prepare at least a portion of a particular type of food product.

[0033] 1A-1F show an embodiment of a device for making hot beverages. The device includes a body 100, a knob 101, a first button 102, a second button 103, a sensing unit including a temperature sensor 105 and a heat sink 106, a base leg 107, a heat source including a heating surface 108, an air vent 109, a main power switch 110, a container 111, and a handle 112 of the container 111. Pressing the first button 101 activates the preparation of the beverage. The second button 103 is pressed once, twice or three times to select a low, medium or strong beverage strength before activating the preparation of the beverage. The beverage ingredients are placed and held in the container 111 and are heated by the heat source using an electric current. The knob 101 is used to manually translate the sensing unit including the temperature sensor 105 and the heat sink 106 vertically between a standby position and an operating position, as described in detail above. The sensing unit is lowered to an operating position prior to actuating the preparation of the beverage. A temperature sensor 105 measures the temperature of the beverage and feeds the temperature back to a control system which adjusts the output of the heat source during preparation of the beverage, as described in detail above. A heat sink 106 dissipates excess heat from the beverage to prevent overflow of the container 111. A vent 109 is located on the bottom surface of the body 100 to allow heat to escape from within the body 100.

[0034] FIG. 2 shows the internal components of the device illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1F, including the heating surface 108 of the heat source 200, the thermostat 201, the sensing unit 202 including the temperature sensor 105 and the heat sink 106, the relay 203, the connection plate 204, the control system 205, the rolling bearing 206, the linear bearing 207, the lead screw 208, and the housing 209 of the sensing unit 202. The heat source 108 generates heat on the heating surface 200 using an electric current through a resistive coil or by creating a magnetic field in an electromagnet. The sensing unit 202 is attached to the connection plate 204 using a pair of magnets of opposite polarity to ensure alignment of the two components. Attaching the sensing unit 202 to the connection plate 204 electrically connects the temperature sensor 105 to the control system 205, provided that the connection plate 204 is electrically connected to the control system 205. As described in detail above, the control system 205 uses feedback from the temperature sensor 105 in the beverage to open and close the relay 203 to allow or prevent current flow to the heat source 200 during preparation of the beverage. The thermostat 201 controls the level of heat produced by the heat source 200. The control system 205 controls the thermostat 201 and the relay 203 to turn the heat source 200 on and off and / or adjust the power level of the heat source 200. The operation of the manual mechanism consisting of the knob 101, connecting plate 204, rolling bearing 206, linear bearing 207 and lead screw 208 to raise and lower the sensing unit 105 is as described in detail above.

[0035] Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of the device, where the mechanism for vertically translating the sensing unit up and down between the standby position and the working position is autonomous. Fig. 3 shows a main body 300, a control system 301, an audio module including a speaker and / or microphone 302, a distance sensor 303, a relay 304, a power switch 305, a thermostat 306, a heat source 307, a heating surface 308 of the heat source 307, an image sensor 309, a sensing unit 310 including a first temperature sensor 311 and a heat sink 312, a connection plate 313, a first button 314, a second button 315, a lead screw 316, a limit switch 317, a coupler 318, a drive motor 319, a linear bearing 320, a housing 321 of the sensing unit 310, a second temperature sensor 322, and a weight sensor 323. Drive motor 319 is rotatably coupled to lead screw 316 using coupler 318. Relay 304, power switch 305, heat source 307, first button 314, and second button 315 operate similarly to those in FIGS. 1A-1F. Control system 301 includes a printed circuit board with an integrated circuit microcontroller, a wireless communication module, and other electronic components. Control system 301 receives feedback from first temperature sensor 311 and adjusts the output of heat source 307 as described in detail above. Second temperature sensor 322 is coupled to heat source 307 and control system 301. Control system 301 adjusts the output of heat source 307 based on the temperature measured by at least one of first temperature sensor 311 and second temperature sensor 322 to maintain a particular selected temperature or temperature corresponding to a warming function. This allows the contents of a container placed on heating surface 308 to be kept warm for later consumption of the contents.

[0036] In this case, the control system 301 also receives feedback from the distance sensor 303 to automatically control the vertical translation of the sensing unit 310 from the standby position to the operating position. The operation of the autonomous mechanism for translating the sensing unit 310, which includes the connection plate 313, the lead screw 316, the limit switch 317, the drive motor 319, and the linear bearing 320, based on the sensor readings of the distance sensor 303, is as described in detail above. The weight sensor 323 measures the weight of the contents in the container placed on the heating surface 308. The control system 301 determines a specific distance to translate the sensing unit 310 vertically downward to reach the operating position based on the weight sensor readings and the known volume of the container. In some embodiments, the control system 301 uses the specific distance determined based on the weight sensor readings to cross-check the distance to translate the sensing unit 310 vertically to the operating position, which is determined based on the distance sensor readings. In some embodiments, the particular distance for translating the sensing unit 310 vertically downward to reach the operating position is determined based solely on the weight sensor measurements, or based on both the weight sensor measurements and the distance sensor measurements.

[0037] The image sensor 309 scans the barcode or QR code on the tea bag as it is placed in the container or before it is placed in the container. The information retrieved from the barcode or QR code is communicated to the control system 301. The control system uses this information to identify the particular beverage that corresponds to that tea bag and activates a particular program to prepare that beverage. A further embodiment speaker and / or microphone 302 module can be used to inform the user that the beverage is ready or can be used to accept spoken commands from the user, for example to start the beverage brewing process.

[0038] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a sensing unit 400 of a device, including a plate 401, a temperature sensor 402, a heat sink 403, a magnet 404, and a connecting lead 405. The sensing unit 400 is removable from the device for cleaning and is attached to the device via the plate 401. The plate 401 is removably attached to a connection plate 407 of a manual or autonomous mechanism (as in FIGS. 2 and 3) for translating the sensing unit using a lead nut 406. The attachment is via a number of paired magnets 404 on the plate 401 of the sensing unit 400 and on the connection plate 407 of the manual or autonomous mechanism for translating the sensing unit. The arrangement and polarity of the multiple paired magnets 404 ensures that the sensing unit 400 can only be connected to a single oriented connection plate 407. When the sensing unit 400 and connecting plate 407 are attached, the connecting leads 405 of the temperature sensors 402 make contact and complete a communication circuit to the control system, as described in detail above.

[0039] 5A-5F show another embodiment of the device, including a first tank 500 for milk, a second tank 501 for water, a heating surface 502, a container 503 in which a tea bag 504 is suspended, a digital user interface 505, a first button 506 and a second button 507. The first button 506 and the second button 507 operate similarly to those in FIGS. 1A-1F. The user interface may display various types of information, as described in detail above. FIGS. 5C and 5D show a tea bag 504 suspended in the container 503 using a clamp 508 attached to a handle 509 of the container 503. The clamp 508 may facilitate the reading by an image sensor of a bar code 510 on the tea bag 504, as described in detail above. The clamp 508 may possibly be of a different shape, such as a hook shape, which makes it easier to hang and remove the tea bag 504 from the container 503. For example, Figures 5E and 5F show a tea bag 511 with its string attached to a hook 513 so that it hangs in a container 512. The tanks for milk 500 and water 501 give the device further autonomy, as the device autonomously dispenses the required amount or ratio of milk and water into the container 503 without user intervention, as described in more detail above. A cooling pad may be placed under the milk tank 500 to keep the milk cool and fresh.

Claims

1. 1. A device for preparing a beverage, comprising: The main body, A heat source; a detection unit including at least a first temperature sensor; A control system; A user interface; means for vertically translating the sensing unit in an up-down direction; Equipped with A container is used with said device for preparing said beverage, A device, wherein at least some ingredients of the beverage are placed in the container prior to activating the device to begin preparation of the beverage.

2. The device is a component of an apparatus, The device of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus further comprises the container.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the means for vertically translating the sensing unit translates the sensing unit at least between a standby position and an operating position.

4. The device according to claim 3 , wherein the detection unit is in the standby position when housed within a housing of the main body.

5. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the sensing unit is in the operating position when a sensor tip of the first temperature sensor is within a specified range of distance from a top surface of the ingredient in the container.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the specific range of distance comprises a range of 1 to 5 centimeters.

7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the user interface receives at least one input that activates the device to begin preparation of the beverage.

8. The device of claim 1 , wherein preparing the beverage includes at least a control system adjusting the heat source based on a temperature rate measured by the first temperature sensor.

9. 10. The device of claim 8, wherein the control system adjusts the heat source when the first temperature sensor measures a temperature increase or decrease rate of at least 0.4 degrees Celsius per second.

10. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensing unit further comprises at least one heat sink configured to dissipate heat during preparation of the beverage to prevent at least a portion of the ingredients in the container from spilling out of the container.

11. the means for vertically translating the sensing unit up and down comprises a manual mechanism; The manual mechanism includes: a knob rotatably coupled to the body of the device; a translation mechanism driven by the knob; a connection plate translationally coupled to the translation mechanism; Equipped with the detection unit is detachably connected to the connection plate; Manually rotating the knob in a first direction causes the connection plate and the sensing unit connected to the connection plate to translate vertically upward; The device of claim 1 , wherein manual rotation of the knob in a second direction causes the connection plate and the sensing unit connected to the connection plate to translate vertically downward.

12. the means for vertically translating the sensing unit in an up-down direction comprises an autonomous mechanism; The autonomous mechanism includes: A distance sensor; A motor; a translation mechanism driven by the motor; a connection plate translationally coupled to the translation mechanism; Equipped with the detection unit is detachably connected to the connection plate; When the translation mechanism is rotated in a first direction by the motor, the connection plate and the detection unit connected to the connection plate are translated vertically upward; When the translation mechanism is rotated in a second direction by the motor, the connection plate and the detection unit connected to the connection plate are translated vertically downward; The device of claim 1 , wherein the distance sensor measures a distance to at least a top surface of the ingredient in the container.

13. The device of claim 1 , further comprising at least a first tank and a second tank for storing a first liquid and a second liquid, respectively.

14. the user interface comprises at least a first button and a second button; pressing said first button once or two or three consecutive times to select a low, medium or high beverage strength, respectively; pressing said second button after selecting said beverage strength activates said device to begin preparation of said beverage; 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the beverage strength determines the number of boiling cycles required to prepare the beverage, with low, medium, and high beverage strengths corresponding to one, two, and three boiling cycles, respectively.

15. the sensing unit is attached to at least one component of the means for vertically translating the sensing unit using at least one pair of magnets; The device of claim 1 , wherein the sensing unit is detachable from the at least one component.

16. The device of claim 1 , wherein the heat source comprises a heating surface with a resistive coil or a heating surface with an induction system.

17. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the control system maintains a particular heating temperature by adjusting the output of the heat source based on a temperature measured by at least one of the first and second temperature sensors of the device.

18. At least one of the following: the device further comprising an audio module for receiving audio input and generating audio output; the container further comprises a clamp or hook for hanging a permeable or semi-permeable bag; the device further comprising a protective cover for covering the first temperature sensor; The device of claim 1 .

19. 1. A method of preparing a beverage using a device comprising: placing ingredients for the beverage in a container; translating a sensing unit of the device vertically downward from a standby position to an operating position by a mechanism of the device; receiving at least one input via a user interface of the device to activate the device to initiate preparation of the beverage; adjusting, by a control system of the device, the output of a heat source based on the temperature measured by a first temperature sensor during preparation of the beverage; translating the sensing unit vertically upwards from the operating position to the standby position by the mechanism of the device once preparation of the beverage is complete; A method comprising:

20. translating the sensing unit of the device vertically downward from the standby position or the operating position to a cleaning position for cleaning the sensing unit by the mechanism of the device; and after cleaning of the sensing unit, translating the sensing unit of the device vertically upward from the cleaning position to the standby position or the operating position by the mechanism of the device; 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

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