Beverage Maker Flow Detection Logic for Faster Heater Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current beverage makers with manual faucets experience delays in heating water due to reliance on temperature detection alone, leading to inefficiencies and increased re-heating times, and require adjustments to maintain effective operation, which increases manufacturing and maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A flow detection system that uses a flow detection device connected to the beverage maker's logic circuit to anticipate water flow and control heating, allowing heaters to turn on immediately when hot water is drawn, reducing delays and improving heating efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If temperature detection alone is used to control heating, then the control circuit is simple, but there is a delay between water dispensing and heater activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol circuit complexityVSAvoiddelay between dispensing and heating

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The flow detection device activates the heater in advance by detecting water flow through the valve assembly, before the temperature sensor would otherwise detect the temperature drop. This preliminary action eliminates the delay between dispensing and heating activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If anticipator tube is used to spray cold water on temperature measuring device, then heaters turn on earlier, but cold water reduces water outlet temperature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheater activation delayVSAvoidwater outlet temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The flow detection device acts as an intermediary between water flow and heater activation, eliminating the need for the anticipator tube that directly sprays cold water on the temperature sensor. This intermediary approach triggers heating without the harmful side effect of cooling the outlet water.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If anticipator tube sprays cold water on temperature measuring device, then heating is anticipated, but adjustment is required throughout product life

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheater activation delayVSAvoidmanufacturing and maintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flow detection device automatically detects water flow and triggers heater activation without requiring manual adjustment. The system self-regulates throughout its operational life, eliminating the need for factory and field adjustments required by anticipator tube systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Loss of time

If anticipator tube is used, then cold water flow turns heaters on earlier, but overall re-heating time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheater activation delayVSAvoidoverall re-heating time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The flow detection device replaces the mechanical anticipator tube system with an electronic flow sensing mechanism. This substitution provides more precise and immediate heater activation without the thermal mass and mixing issues that prolong re-heating time in anticipator tube systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8048460B2Beverage maker flow detection logic

Publication Date: 2011.11.01 BE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INC

AI summary

The water heating flow detection system for a beverage maker includes a heater control logic circuit that controls heating in response to temperature and flow conditions in the beverage maker. A heater control logic circuit receives a temperature detection signal and a flow detection signal, and generates a water heater control signal for controlling operation of one or more water heaters. A flow detection device may be connected to the hot water outlet conduit or the cold water inlet conduit, and may include a magnetic flow detection device. A faucet lever position detection device may also be used to indicate flow through a faucet outlet valve.