Beverage preparation machine comprising location system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Beverage preparation machines in public or corporate settings face challenges in remote management, including incorrect location data due to manual entry errors, movement without updates, and potential theft, which complicates maintenance and repair operations.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a communication interface with a modem for wireless communication and a location system, such as GPS or multilateration, to automatically determine and transmit the machine's location, allowing for comparison with database-entered data to correct discrepancies, enable remote management, and take actions like disabling the machine if unauthorized movement is detected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual location entry is used in the database, then the system is simple to operate, but location accuracy deteriorates due to entry errors and outdated information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical entry system with an automated electronic location determination system using GPS receivers and satellite-based positioning. This substitution eliminates human error in location entry while maintaining system simplicity through automated data transmission via modem to the central database.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The beverage preparation machine performs self-location determination using integrated GPS receivers and automatically transmits location data to the database without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach ensures accurate, real-time location tracking while reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the machine is moved to another location, then operational flexibility improves, but location data accuracy deteriorates until the database is manually updated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation flexibilityVSAvoidlocation data accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The GPS-based location system continuously tracks the machine's position and automatically updates the database in real-time, ensuring location information remains accurate and current regardless of machine movement. This continuous action eliminates the information loss that occurs with manual update systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automatic feedback loops where the GPS receiver continuously monitors machine location and transmits updates to the database through the modem. This closed-loop feedback ensures the database always contains current location data, preventing information loss during machine relocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If a modem is added for remote communication, then remote management capability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote management capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modem serves multiple functions: transmitting location data, reporting machine status, enabling remote diagnostics, and facilitating maintenance scheduling. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive remote management capabilities through a single communication device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the modem with the existing control and communication architecture of the beverage preparation machine, integrating location tracking, status monitoring, and remote communication functions into a unified system. This merging approach minimizes overall complexity while maximizing remote management capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If automatic location tracking is implemented, then maintenance efficiency improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system transmits location data periodically rather than continuously, updating the database at scheduled intervals or when significant location changes occur. This periodic action maintains high maintenance efficiency by providing current location information while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10820740B2Beverage preparation machine comprising location system

Publication Date: 2020.11.03 SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE SA

AI summary

A beverage preparation machine for preparing at least one beverage from a beverage material includes a modem for communication with a remote resource such as a server, and is configured to send machine remote management data to the remote resource. The machine comprises location system configured for automatic geolocation of the machine, and is configured to send to the remote resource location information determined by the location system. This for example makes it possible to confirm or correct the location of a machine, to correct mistakes that can occur when a machine is installed or moved, or to take appropriate measures when a machine is stolen. In another embodiment, a system includes such a beverage preparation machine and a remote resource with which it is configured to communicate. In a further embodiment, a method is provided for remote management of a beverage preparation machine.