Beverage Machine Filter Detection for Safe Cleaning Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage preparation machines face issues with incorrect operation due to the need for users to manually manage liquid filters, which can lead to incompatible liquids being used during decalcification or cleaning processes, potentially damaging the filters and causing blockages in the fluid lines.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine equipped with a sensor to detect the presence of a liquid filter and a control device that regulates the supply of liquids based on the operating mode, ensuring that incompatible liquids are not fed through the filter during decalcification or cleaning processes, thereby preventing damage and blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid filter is installed in the beverage preparation machine, then the fluid lines are protected from dirt and limescale deposits, but the risk of filter damage and blockage increases when incompatible liquids are used during cleaning or decalcification
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor detects the presence of the liquid filter and provides feedback to the control device. The control device uses this information to automatically prevent incompatible liquids from being supplied during cleaning or decalcification processes, thus protecting the filter while maintaining fluid line cleanliness
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-protection by automatically detecting filter presence and controlling liquid supply based on operating modes. The control device autonomously prevents harmful operations without requiring user intervention, ensuring filter safety while maintaining cleaning functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If the machine allows manual operation modes for cleaning and decalcification, then maintenance flexibility is improved, but the risk of incorrect operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device receives feedback from the sensor about filter presence and automatically adjusts liquid supply control based on the selected operating mode. This prevents incorrect operations while maintaining all necessary maintenance flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary between the user's operating mode selection and the actual liquid supply. It mediates by automatically blocking incompatible operations (cleaning/decalcification with filter present) while allowing correct operations, thus preventing errors without limiting legitimate maintenance needs
3Reliability
If a sensor and control device are added to detect filter presence and control liquid supply, then filter protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses simple sensor detection and automatic control logic that requires minimal user input. The control device autonomously manages filter protection based on detected filter presence and selected operating mode, providing robust protection with relatively simple added components
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
The solution effectively prevents erroneous operations and ensures the longevity of the liquid filter by automatically controlling the liquid supply, reducing the risk of filter damage and fluid line blockages, thus maintaining the machine's performance and user safety.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (6) for detecting a liquid filter (5) and generating a signal which contains information about whether a liquid filter (5) is placed at the predetermined filter position
Implementation Method 2
a control device (25) for controlling a supply of liquid from the liquid container (3) into the at least one fluid line (12) as a function of the signal from the sensor (6)
Implementation Method 3
a receiving device (4) for receiving a liquid filter (5), which can be placed at a predetermined filter position and removed again; if a liquid filter (5) is placed at the predetermined filter position, when liquid is supplied from the liquid container (3) into the at least one fluid line (12), at least part of the liquid must pass through the liquid filter (5)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a drinks preparation machine (1) for preparing a drink, which can be operated in multiple operational modes and comprises a liquid container (3), a drinks preparation device (10) for preparing the drink using a liquid, at least one fluid line (12) which is connected to said liquid container (3) and drinks preparation device (10), a receiving device (4) for receiving a liquid filter (5) in a predetermined filter position, a sensor (6) for detecting a liquid filter (5), and a control device (25) which controls a supply of a liquid from the liquid container (3) into the fluid line (12). The control device (25) is designed to prompt a liquid to be supplied into the at least one fluid line (12) as a function of the signal of the sensor (6). In at least one of the operational modes, the liquid supply can be prompted independently of whether a liquid filter (5) is placed in the predetermined filter position, and in at least one other of the operational modes, the liquid supply cannot be prompted when a liquid filter (5) is placed in the predetermined filter position.