Consumable recognition system and beverage dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensers lack a simple and foolproof method for recognizing the placement and type of consumables, requiring manual adjustments for brewing parameters, which affects the quality and convenience of beverage preparation.
Innovation Solution
A consumable recognition system using a light sensor and movable sensor carrier to sense light reflected from a reflection element during relative movement, generating a sensor signal that distinguishes different types of consumables based on position, reflectivity, and pattern, allowing for automatic adjustment of brewing parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of brewing parameters is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically recognizes consumable type and adjusts brewing parameters without user intervention. The light sensor detects reflection patterns from the consumable, the controller processes this data to identify consumable type, and automatically sets optimal brewing parameters, making the system self-configuring and eliminating manual adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical adjustment of brewing parameters is replaced by an automated optical sensing and electronic control system. The light sensor, signal processor, and controller work together to automatically determine consumable type and adjust parameters, substituting mechanical user interaction with an automated sensing and control system
2Productivity
If consumable recognition system is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recognition system is divided into distinct functional modules: a light sensor for detecting reflection patterns, a signal processor for analyzing the reflected light signals, and a controller for adjusting brewing parameters. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, making the overall system more manageable and easier to implement despite the increased automation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The light sensor and control system serve multiple functions: detecting consumable presence, identifying consumable type through reflection pattern analysis, and automatically adjusting brewing parameters. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated solution, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity
3Loss of time
If automatic recognition is used, then loss of time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensor detects and analyzes consumable type immediately upon insertion, before the brewing process begins. The controller pre-configures optimal brewing parameters based on the detected consumable type, eliminating any time loss that would occur with manual parameter adjustment and ensuring the brewing process starts immediately with correct settings
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback from the light sensor detecting reflection patterns from the consumable to automatically adjust brewing parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to different consumable types instantly, reducing time loss while keeping the complexity manageable through straightforward sensor-controller interaction
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 automatic recognition of consumables, optimizing brewing parameters such as temperature, water quantity, pressure, and infusion time, ensuring optimal beverage preparation and enhancing user convenience by simplifying the process.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor for sensing light reflected from a reflection element of the consumable during a relative movement between the consumable and the light sensor
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The present invention relates to a consumable recognition system for recognizing placement and/or type of consumable containing a food substance for the preparation of a beverage by use of a beverage dispenser. To enable the recognition of placement and/or type of consumable in a simple, foolproof and easily implementable way the system comprises a light sensor (32, 301, 312, 321, 332) for sensing light (36) reflected from a reflection element (42, 52, 62, 73, 82, 92) of the consumable during a relative movement between the consumable and the light sensor to obtain a sensor signal, wherein the sensor signal depends on the position, reflectivity and/or pattern of said reflection element, a movable sensor carrier (2) carrying said light sensor (301, 312, 321),wherein said light sensor is configured to sense light reflected from said reflection element (52, 62, 73, 82, 92) during a movement of said sensor carrier, and a signal processor (33) for recognizing placement and/or type of consumable based on said sensor signal.