Beverage Machine Control With External Recipe Parameters and Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines cannot optimize process parameters according to consumer taste and beverage ingredient nature, limiting the preparation of individualized beverages like 'Flat white' which requires specific milk aeration levels, and are complex to use without increasing usability.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose beverage preparation machine with a control unit connected to an external electronic device via network interface, allowing for customizable beverage preparation parameters such as actuation and temperature profiles, and interchangeable foaming and support inserts for various beverages, controlled through a user-friendly interface on the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If default parameters are used for beverage preparation, then the machine can prepare different beverages with basic functionality, but the beverage texture and taste cannot be optimized according to consumer preference and ingredient nature
Solution Approach 1:
The machine automatically determines optimal process parameters based on detected beverage ingredients and selected beverage type, eliminating the need for manual parameter adjustment by the user. The control unit autonomously configures heating temperature, mixing speed, and aeration parameters, allowing the system to serve itself in terms of parameter optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts process parameters (heating temperature, mixing speed, aeration intensity) based on the detected beverage ingredients and selected recipe. Different parameter sets are automatically applied for different beverage types (e.g., higher aeration for cappuccino, lower for flat white), enabling versatile beverage preparation without user complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex user interface is provided on the machine for detailed parameter control, then beverage customization is enabled, but the machine complexity and usability are negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The complex user interface and parameter control functionality are extracted from the machine and relocated to an external electronic device (smartphone, tablet). The machine retains only simple operation elements, while the external device handles the complex beverage selection, parameter configuration, and recipe management through dedicated applications.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication interface (wireless or wired connection) acts as an intermediary between the machine and the external electronic device. This intermediary transfers control commands and beverage parameters from the user's external device to the machine's control unit, enabling complex beverage customization without requiring a complex interface on the machine itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable foaming and support inserts are provided, then various beverage types and ingredient combinations can be prepared, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage preparation system is segmented into separate functional inserts: foaming inserts for milk aeration, support inserts for holding solid ingredients (coffee grounds, chocolate, spices), and mixing elements. These modular components can be independently selected, removed, and replaced based on the desired beverage type, allowing versatile preparation without integrating all functions into a single complex unit.
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
Enables the preparation of a variety of individualized beverages with enhanced user guidance and convenience, allowing consumers to customize texture and ingredient combinations without complex parameter settings, reducing machine complexity and increasing usability.
Implementation Method 1
a heating means configured for heating a liquid in the beverage preparation chamber
Implementation Method 2
processing means for processing the beverage in the chamber, a motor configured for driving the processing means
Implementation Method 3
the processing means comprises at least one foaming insert and/or at least one support insert for supporting solid ingredient(s) in liquid
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multipurpose beverage preparation machine (10) comprising: a beverage preparation chamber (11) for receiving a liquid, processing means for processing the beverage in the beverage preparation chamber (11), a motor (15) configured for driving the processing means in the beverage preparation chamber (11), a heating means (16) configured for heating a liquid in the beverage preparation chamber (11), a control unit (17) operable to execute a beverage preparation process comprising control of the motor (15) and the heating means (16), the control unit (17) being coupled to a network interface (18) of the machine (10) to receive beverage process parameters (9) from an external electronic device (1), wherein the processing means comprises at least one foaming insert (13) and/or at least one support insert (14) for supporting solid ingredients, which is or are selectively and removably positioned within the beverage preparation chamber (11) and wherein the control unit (17) is configured for actuating the motor (15) and the heating means (16) based on at least a part of the received process parameters (9).