Beverage Machine Control Panel for Flexible Cup Volume Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines lack flexibility in volume selection, requiring re-programming for different cup sizes and offering no easy access to adjust the dispensing volume, especially in automated systems.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with a control panel featuring a rotating wheel and illuminated schematic cup representation, allowing users to easily set and validate beverage preparation parameters, such as volume, using a single command button for selecting and starting brewing cycles, and optionally including temperature selection buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated beverage preparation systems are used, then beverage preparation speed and consistency are improved, but flexibility in volume selection is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel incorporates a rotating wheel that allows dynamic adjustment of beverage volume parameters during operation. The wheel can be rotated to increment or decrement volume settings, enabling the system to adapt between automated efficiency and user-specific volume requirements without sacrificing preparation speed.
2Ease of operation
If multiple buttons and switches are provided for parameter selection, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating wheel serves multiple functions: it selects beverage type, adjusts volume parameters, and initiates preparation sequences. This single multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate buttons and switches, simplifying the control interface while maintaining comprehensive operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel merges volume adjustment, beverage selection, and preparation initiation into a single integrated rotating wheel mechanism. By combining these functions into one interactive element, the system reduces the number of separate components users must manipulate, thereby reducing perceived complexity while preserving ease of use.
3Manufacturing precision
If re-programming is required for different cup sizes, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-loads multiple beverage volume configurations corresponding to different cup sizes (ristretto, espresso, lungo, etc.). When a user rotates the wheel, the system instantly retrieves and applies the pre-configured parameters for that beverage type, eliminating the need for real-time re-programming while maintaining precise dispensing volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual re-programming operations with an automated electronic parameter selection system. The rotating wheel electronically selects from pre-stored configuration sets, substituting what would be a time-consuming manual programming process with an instant electronic retrieval and application of parameters, thus maintaining precision while eliminating time loss.
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
Provides a user-friendly, intuitive interface for flexible volume selection and temperature control, simplifying the operation by reducing the number of buttons and switches, enabling quick adjustments without re-programming, and accommodating various beverage sizes from ristretto to large cups.
Implementation Method 1
a pump for pumping a predetermined volume of said fluid from said reservoir to said brewing head, such that said fluid can be injected into said capsule to mix with said ingredient under pressure
Implementation Method 2
a heating element for optionally heating said fluid pumped from said reservoir before it enters the capsule
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage preparation machine includes (i) a reservoir for a fluid, (ii) a brewing head adapted for receiving at least one ingredient capsule, (iii) a pump for pumping a predetermined volume of the fluid from the reservoir to the brewing head, (iv) a heating element for optionally heating the fluid pumped from the reservoir before it enters the capsule, (v) an electronic control board able to receive commands from a control panel of the machine. The control panel includes in combination: —a rotating wheel which is linked to the control board such that by rotating and/or pressing the wheel, a beverage preparation parameter is set in the control board, and —illuminated means, at least a portion of which has the shape of a schematic cup, which is linked to the control board such that the state of the beverage preparation parameter within the control board is represented on the means.