Automatic coffee maker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic coffee makers lack effective anti-overflow, anti-spillover, and anti-flooding mechanisms, which can lead to device malfunction and environmental flooding, especially when the water delivery system fails or is improperly mounted.
Innovation Solution
An automatic coffee maker with a water delivery system featuring an electrically actuated valve controlled by an electrical circuit with sensors that automatically stop water flow when the water level exceeds a defined limit, preventing overflow and flooding, and ensuring proper water tank mounting through a tank sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical float valve system is used for water level control, then the device can prevent overflow under normal conditions, but it requires significant installation space and fails when components malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical float valve system with an electrical sensing and control system. Water level sensors (float sensors or contactless sensors) detect water level electronically, and an actuated valve controlled by electrical signals regulates water flow, eliminating the need for large mechanical float assemblies while maintaining overflow prevention functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system between water level detection and valve control. Instead of direct mechanical linkage, electrical signals serve as intermediaries to transmit water level information from sensors to the actuated valve controller, enabling compact arrangement and improved reliability through electronic rather than mechanical transmission.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If no automatic shutdown mechanism is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but water continues flowing causing overflow and flooding when malfunction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where water level sensors continuously monitor the water level and send signals to the actuated valve. When water reaches a predetermined level, the sensor triggers automatic shutdown by closing the valve, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that prevents overflow without requiring complex manual intervention systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-protection through automatic shutdown functionality. The sensors and control system enable the device to detect and correct its own malfunction conditions without external intervention, automatically stopping water flow when abnormal water levels are detected, thereby preventing flooding while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
3Ease of operation
If the water tank can be freely mounted, then installation is easier, but improper mounting causes water leakage and flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary checking actions during the water filling process. Before water is delivered to the tank, the system performs preliminary checks to verify proper tank mounting and sealing. Only after successful verification does the system proceed with water delivery, preventing leakage issues before they occur while maintaining installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting improper mounting conditions and preventing water flow before leakage can occur. The sensors monitor tank position and sealing status, and the control system actively prevents water delivery when improper mounting is detected, counteracting potential leakage problems before they manifest.
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
The solution provides automatic protection against overflowing and flooding, ensuring a compact design and independence from software control failures, effectively preventing device and environmental flooding by stopping water flow when the water level exceeds a defined limit or the water tank is improperly mounted.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electric overflow sensor (74) with a first electrical contact (73), disconnecting the actuator (72) from the power supply for shifting the valve (71) from open to close position when the water delivered to a basin (11) by an overflow duct (6), achieved defined level
Implementation Method 2
an electrically actuated valve (71), an actuator (72) thereof supplied by an electrical circuit (7)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Automatic coffee maker comprising a system for making coffee and a water delivery system for delivering water to the system for making coffee, wherein the water delivery system having the water inlet (42) communicated with an electrically actuated valve (71), wherein the electrical power to the actuator (72) of the valve (71) is supplied by an electrical circuit (7) provided with at least one electric overflow sensor (74) with a second electrical contact (73), disconnecting the actuator (72) from the power supply for shifting the valve (71) from open to close position, when the water delivered to a basin (11) by a overflow duct (6) achieved defined level. The present invention solves the problem of providing the automatic coffee maker disposed with the water delivering system, having anti-overflowing, anti-spillover anti-flooding means, protecting the device, namely the automatic coffee maker, and environment from flooding.