Beverage Machine Container Sizing for Synchronized Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage preparation machines require frequent user intervention for refilling ingredient reservoirs and emptying waste collectors, leading to service interruptions and inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
The machine is designed with adjustable container capacities based on estimated average ingredient usage ratios in a given geographical market, allowing simultaneous refilling and emptying of ingredient reservoirs and waste collectors, with a user interface indicating when both need servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the machine uses fixed capacity containers for ingredient reservoirs and waste collectors, then the machine structure is simple, but the user must perform refilling and emptying operations at different times, leading to frequent service interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the capacity ratios of different containers (ingredient reservoirs and waste collectors) based on the average quantity ratio of ingredients used in the target geographical market. This allows the machine to synchronize the refilling and emptying operations, reducing service interruptions while maintaining market-specific usage patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the container capacities adaptable to different geographical markets through the estimated average quantity ratio. The system can be configured for different markets with different ingredient usage patterns, allowing the machine to optimize service intervals dynamically based on local consumption habits
2Loss of time
If the machine monitors all container levels with sensors, then the service timing is precise, but the machine's sensor and interface systems become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the service timing based on the estimated average quantity ratio of ingredients. Instead of using complex real-time monitoring of all containers, the system pre-determines when refilling and emptying should occur simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple sensors and complex interface systems
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A machine (1) for a given geographical market and for preparing a beverage from a combination of a first ingredient and a second ingredient. The machine comprises a first container (10) and a second container (5), each container being arranged for storing one of these ingredients and/or packagings (1) thereof. Such machine is so arranged as to let a user select a quantity ratio of the first ingredient and the second ingredient for any preparation of a beverage. The first and second containers have respective first and second normal storage volumes for their respective ingredient and/or packagings to be stored. The first and second normal storage volumes of the containers have a volume ratio equivalent to a ratio of respective normal volumes necessary for storing the first and second ingredients and/or packaging thereof used in an estimated average quantity ratio for preparing such beverage in the given geographical market.