Beverage preparation machine with control based on deformation of an extraction head frame structure and method to control the machine based on said deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines require capsules with specific deformable features for accurate operation, leading to increased production and consumer costs, and reliability issues if these features are damaged.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with a frame structure containing resilient deformable portions that detect capsule presence and type through deformation sensors, allowing for automatic operation without relying on capsule-specific features, using strain gauges or piezoelectric force sensors connected to a control unit for fluid temperature and pressure control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If capsules with specific deformable features are used for detection, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the sensing feature on the capsule, the patent inverts the approach by placing the deformable resilient portion on the machine's frame structure. The capsule remains simple and robust, while the machine structure contains the deformation sensor that detects capsule presence and type through mechanical deformation caused by capsule insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient deformable portion of the frame structure acts as an intermediary between the capsule and the deformation sensor. It translates capsule characteristics into measurable deformation patterns without requiring the capsule itself to have complex sensing features.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If capsules with deformable features are required, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reverses the complexity allocation by keeping the capsule structure simple and placing the deformation sensing capability in the machine's frame structure. This eliminates the need for complex capsule designs while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient deformable portion of the frame structure serves multiple functions: it detects capsule presence, identifies capsule type, and provides mechanical coupling between the capsule and machine. This universal component replaces the need for multiple specialized capsule features.
3Measurement precision
If capsule-specific deformable features are used, then measurement precision is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts the complexity and cost from capsule manufacturing to machine manufacturing. The capsule can be produced using simple, cost-effective materials and processes, while the machine incorporates the resilient deformable portion and deformation sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule is designed as a simple, disposable component without expensive deformable features. The detection capability is transferred to the reusable machine structure, allowing capsules to be manufactured at lower cost.
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 fully automatic operation of the machine, independent of capsule type, with reliable detection and processing of different ingredients, reducing costs and improving user convenience by eliminating the need for specific capsule designs.
Implementation Method 1
said frame structure presents at least one resilient deformable portion
Implementation Method 2
resilient deformable portion of said frame structure
Implementation Method 3
using strain gauges or piezoelectric force sensors connected to a control unit
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a beverage preparation machine (1) for preparing a beverage from a food substance contained in a capsule (13). The brewing chamber (35) comprises two chamber portions (34a, 34b, 12) relatively movable each other, means (7) being provided to apply a clamping force to said chamber portions in order to close the brewing chamber, the clamping means and at least part of the chamber portions (34a, 34b, 12) being connected to a frame structure (33) of the machine. A machine control unit (17) is also provided. The machine (1) comprises at least one sensor means (50) for sensing the deformations of at least a resilient deformable portion. The sensor means is connected to the control unit and, based on the sensed deformation of said deformable portion, carries out at least one of the following operation: controlling of a machine switching-on, a clamping means closure, a capsule presence in the brewing chamber, a fluid injection in the brewing chamber, a fluid temperature, detecting of the type of ingredient capsule amongst a set of different capsule types. Also a method to control a beverage preparation machine on the basis of the deformation of said resilient deformable portion is claimed.