Beverage Apparatus Image Sensor Window Heating to Prevent Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage-making apparatuses face issues with water condensation and misting on the viewing window of image acquisition devices due to humid environments, leading to operational interference and reading errors, which prior solutions like fans or accessible windows do not adequately address without additional costs or user intervention.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a heating device positioned below the image acquisition device's viewing window, with heated air flowing naturally from the lower region to the upper region through a channel, preventing water condensation and misting by utilizing existing heater thermal energy to warm the air before it reaches the viewing window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the image acquisition device is positioned in the infusion chamber or upstream region, then capsule recognition can be performed, but water condensation and misting occur on the viewing window due to humid environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the image acquisition device from the humid environment by positioning it in a dry region separate from the infusion chamber, while maintaining capsule recognition capability through strategic placement in the capsule supply region where capsules pass by before entering the infusion chamber
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary medium, using airflow from the heating device to create a protective dry air layer between the humid infusion chamber environment and the viewing window, preventing water vapor condensation on the window surface
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a fan is used to create forced airflow on the viewing window to prevent condensation, then condensation is reduced, but device complexity and additional costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the heating device serve a dual function: heating water for beverage preparation and generating warm airflow to prevent condensation on the viewing window. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate condensation prevention devices like fans
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the heating function and condensation prevention function into a single integrated system, where the heating device's thermal output is utilized to create warm airflow that protects the viewing window from condensation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the viewing window is positioned to be easily accessible for manual cleaning, then condensation can be removed, but user intervention is required and operation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent takes preliminary action by continuously generating warm airflow from the heating device that proactively prevents water vapor from condensing on the viewing window surface, eliminating the need for subsequent cleaning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a continuous feedback loop where the heating device monitors and maintains appropriate temperature and airflow conditions to keep the viewing window free from condensation, ensuring automatic and continuous 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
This solution effectively prevents water condensation on the viewing window, ensuring the image acquisition device operates correctly without additional costs or mechanical aids, by using natural ventilation and the existing heater's thermal energy to dry the air before it reaches the viewing window.
Implementation Method 1
the heating device heats air in the first region and the heated air flows into the second region, where the heated air can make contact with the viewing window
Implementation Method 2
the two regions are in communication with each other, for example through a channel which joins them, thereby allowing an airflow from the first region to the second region
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to an apparatus (1) for making a beverage, comprising an infusion chamber (21) for a capsule containing a food substance, a transfer channel (32) which connects a capsule insertion opening (31) to the infusion chamber (21), an image acquisition device (4) for acquiring at least one image of a portion of the capsule. The image acquisition device (4) includes an optical sensor (42) facing towards an image capture zone (40) which is a stretch of the transfer channel (32). A viewing window (45), made of transparent material, is interposed between the optical sensor (42) and the image capture zone (40), the viewing window (45) having a first face (451 ) and a second face (452). The apparatus also comprises a heating device (6, 22), which is positioned in a first region (11 ) which is at a height lower than a second region (12) in which the viewing window (45) is positioned. The first region (11) and the second region (12) are in communication with each other. In use, the heating device (6, 22) heats air in the first region (11) and the heated air flows into the second region (12), where the heated air can make contact with the first face (451) and/or the second face (452) of the viewing window (45) and heat the viewing window (45).