Apparatus for producing a beverage comprising a coffee machine and a container for a liquid foodstuff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machine and milk container systems lack accurate control and real-time anomaly detection, leading to suboptimal beverage production and potential functional impairment of the container.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine with a wireless transmitter and a container equipped with a programmable wireless receiver and sensors, allowing for real-time control and anomaly detection through energy and data exchange via antennas, enabling precise regulation of the beverage production process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the coffee machine uses a predetermined control method without real-time monitoring, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and reliability of beverage production deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors monitor parameters (temperature, flow rate, pressure) during beverage production and transmit data to the control unit. The control unit compares actual values with target values and automatically adjusts process parameters in real-time, ensuring precise beverage production without requiring overly complex manual intervention systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual monitoring and adjustment mechanisms with automated electronic sensors and control systems. Electronic sensors detect process parameters and transmit signals to the control unit, which automatically adjusts valves and heaters, substituting mechanical manual control with electronic automation to achieve higher precision.
2Device complexity
If the coffee machine lacks real-time anomaly detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and productivity deteriorate due to undetected anomalies
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously receives feedback from sensors monitoring temperature, flow rate, and pressure during the beverage production process. It compares actual values against predetermined thresholds and triggers anomaly detection when deviations occur, enabling real-time reliability monitoring without requiring complex external monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting anomalies through integrated sensors and control logic. When anomalies are detected, the system can automatically stop the process or alert the user, enabling the machine to monitor and protect itself without external intervention, thereby improving reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the coffee machine operates without precise parameter control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision and organoleptic quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically manages all process parameters including temperature, flow rate, and timing based on the selected beverage program. The system self-regulates without requiring manual adjustment by the user, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring precise control of beverage production parameters for consistent quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual control mechanisms are replaced with electronic sensors and automated control logic that precisely regulate temperature, flow rate, and processing time. The electronic control system maintains parameter precision while requiring minimal user interaction, preserving ease of operation.
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
Ensures accurate control and real-time identification and correction of anomalies, ensuring the production of beverages with desired organoleptic properties and extending the container's lifespan by preventing functional impairment.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter transmits energy for powering the logical unit of the receiver to the receiver
Implementation Method 2
a channel for the intake of steam into the mixing chamber which has at its end the aforementioned connection fitting to the steam delivery device of the coffee machine
Implementation Method 3
the jug has a milk emulsifying device having a connection fitting to the steam delivery device of the coffee machine. The emulsifying device comprises a mixing chamber
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The apparatus for producing a beverage comprises a coffee machine (1) and a container (2) for a liquid foodstuff, a wireless transmitter (13) having a logical unit (14) being incorporated in the coffee machine (1), and a wireless receiver (15) having a logical unit (16) communicating with the logical unit (14) of the transmitter (13) and at least one peripheral unit (17, 17', 17", 17"') communicating with the logical unit (16) of said receiver (15) being incorporated in the container (2).