A beverage preparation machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage preparation machines are prone to short circuits due to fluid leakage, which can damage electrical components, as the Human-Machine Interface is often positioned close to the receptacle for portioned ingredients, leading to potential contact with fluid.
Innovation Solution
The machine incorporates a light emitting device, a reflecting element, a coupler, and a light sensor to generate an interference signal based on the position of the reflecting element, allowing the controlling unit to detect press actions on the actuator without being in close proximity to the fluid injection area, thus isolating the electronic components from potential fluid contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the Human-Machine Interface is positioned close to the receptacle for accommodating portioned beverage ingredients, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential fluid leakage contact with electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is segmented into two distinct parts: the electronic circuit board positioned in the machine body away from fluid, and the control panel front with actuators positioned in the machine head for user access. This spatial segmentation allows the interface to be both user-accessible and protected from fluid leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible printed circuit board (FPC) acts as an intermediary connection between the control panel front and the electronic circuit board. The FPC transmits electrical signals while allowing spatial separation and movement, enabling the control panel to maintain both accessibility and protection from fluid.
2Ease of operation
If the control panel is positioned in the machine head close to the fluid injection system, then the ease of operation is improved, but the object-affected harmful factors increase due to potential fluid contact with electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is divided into a front portion with actuators positioned in the machine head for user interaction, and an electronic circuit board positioned in the machine body away from fluid. This segmentation separates the user interface from harmful fluid exposure while maintaining operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible printed circuit board serves as an intermediary that connects the control panel front to the electronic circuit board, transmitting control signals while enabling spatial separation that protects electronics from fluid leakage.
3Reliability
If the electronic components are positioned away from the receptacle area, then the reliability is improved by preventing short circuits, but the device complexity increases due to the need for flexible circuit connections
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible printed circuit board acts as an intermediary connection element that simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a flexible, pre-fabricated solution for signal transmission between separated components, rather than requiring complex custom wiring arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a flexible printed circuit board changes the physical parameter of electrical connection from rigid to flexible, enabling the electronic components to be positioned away from the fluid area while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity through the flexible FPC.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design effectively reduces the risk of short circuits by maintaining electronic components away from the fluid injection area, enhancing user safety and preventing damage to the machine.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting device for emitting a light beam
Implementation Method 2
an element for reflecting the light beam that has been emitted by the light emitting device
Implementation Method 3
a coupler for generating an interference signal based on the emitted light beam and the reflected light beam
Implementation Method 4
a light sensor for detecting the interference signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A food or beverage preparation machine (1) comprising a control panel (5), said control panel (5) comprising an actuator (5x) for setting at least one beverage preparation parameter to a predetermined value and a controlling unit for controlling the functioning of the food or beverage preparation machine (1), the food or beverage preparation machine (1) comprising in association with said actuator (5x): - a light emitting device (6x) for emitting a light beam, - an element for reflecting the light beam that has been emitted by the light emitting device (6x), the position of the reflecting element being modified when a press action (F) is applied to the actuator (5x), - a coupler (8x) for generating an interference signal based on the emitted light beam and the reflected light beam, a value of at least one parameter of the interference signal depending on the position of the reflecting element, and - a light sensor (7x) for detecting the interference signal, said light sensor being electronically connected with the controlling unit, the controlling unit being configured for detecting a press action applied to the actuator (5x) based on the value of the at least one parameter of the interference signal so as to set at least one food or beverage preparation parameter.