Beverage Maker Flow Detection for Faster Water Reheating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 existing solutions like the anticipator tube require adjustments that increase manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A flow detection system that includes a heater control logic circuit and flow detection devices in both the hot and cold water conduits, allowing for immediate heating anticipation when water is drawn, using magnetic flow detection devices to generate signals for controlling the water heaters based on flow and temperature conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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
Solution Approach 1:
The flow detection device detects water flow in advance and generates a flow detection signal that triggers the heater control logic circuit to activate the heaters before the temperature actually drops, eliminating the delay between water dispensing and heater activation
2Loss of time
If an anticipator tube is used to detect flow, then heating can be anticipated, but the system requires adjustments that increase manufacturing and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical anticipator tube system requiring physical adjustments is replaced with an electronic flow detection device that generates electrical signals, eliminating the need for manual orientation and location adjustments while maintaining heating anticipation capability
3Loss of time
If cold water is sprayed near the temperature measuring device, then the heaters turn on earlier, but the water outlet temperature decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A flow detection device acts as an intermediary between water flow and heater activation, detecting flow conditions and generating signals that trigger heater activation without requiring cold water to be sprayed near the temperature measuring device, thus maintaining water outlet temperature
4Loss of time
If cold water flows from the anticipator tube for 15 to 40 seconds, then the temperature measuring device detects the temperature drop, but the overall tank temperature drops rapidly and re-heating time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow detection device provides immediate feedback about water flow conditions to the heater control logic circuit, enabling prompt heater activation that prevents rapid tank temperature drops and reduces overall re-heating time, improving re-heating efficiency
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
This solution improves hot water production efficiency by 15 to 25% by anticipating the need for reheating, reducing re-heating time, and eliminating the need for costly adjustments, thereby enhancing user value.
Implementation Method 1
using magnetic flow detection devices to generate signals for controlling the water heaters
Implementation Method 2
one or more water heaters associated with the water tank for heating water in the water tank
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The water heating flow detection system (40) 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 (68). A flow detection device (62,92) is connected to the cold water inlet conduit (46), and includes a magnetic flow detection device (140).