Hot Beverage Machine Liquid Level Indicator Using Optical Refraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot beverage preparation devices, such as fully automatic coffee machines, face challenges in accurately indicating the liquid level in containers, leading to errors in notification of empty containers, especially when partially filled, due to the susceptibility of float-based and sensor-based systems.
Innovation Solution
A hot beverage preparation device with a level indicator that utilizes a light source emitting radiation of a specific wavelength, which is directed towards a transparent display area when liquid is present and deflected or reflected away when empty, leveraging the different refractive indices of liquid and air to provide a clear and precise visual indication of the fill level without the need for sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If float-based detection is used to detect the filling level of a liquid container, then the device structure is simple, but the reliability of fill level indication deteriorates due to errors such as swimmer mutation into diver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical float-based detection system with an optical detection system. A light source emits light through the container wall, and a sensor detects the light intensity on the other side. When liquid is present, the light is absorbed or scattered, reducing the detected intensity. When the container is empty, maximum light passes through. This substitution eliminates mechanical failures while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of a light source and light sensor positioned on opposite sides of the container wall. The container wall itself acts as the intermediary medium through which light travels. This optical intermediary provides reliable fill level detection without mechanical moving parts, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and reliable indication.
2Extent of automation
If sensor-based evaluation is used to determine fill level, then automation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to errors in recognizing partially filled containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from mechanical position (float level) or electrical sensor signals to optical intensity parameters. By measuring the intensity of light transmitted through the container, the system can accurately distinguish between empty, partially filled, and full states. This parameter change improves reliability while maintaining automation, as the optical intensity provides continuous and unambiguous fill level information.
3Ease of operation
If liquid container lighting is used to visualize liquid level, then the visual indication is provided, but the precision deteriorates due to visibility only at impurities, container walls, or liquid-air transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the container wall as an optical intermediary medium. A light source is positioned on one side of the container wall, and the light travels through the wall and liquid to be detected on the other side. The container wall serves as a consistent optical pathway, providing precise and unambiguous fill level indication without relying on impurities or surface transitions, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of visualization.
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 provides a user-friendly and reliable fill level indication, minimizing the risk of misinformation by allowing users to directly read the liquid level with the naked eye, eliminating sensor-related errors and enhancing the device's visual appeal.
Implementation Method 1
The directing or directing of the radiation is based on the different refractive indices of the liquid and air
Implementation Method 2
from which the emitted radiation can be guided away when there is no liquid in the liquid container
Data Source
Figure 1~2c
Figure 3a~4b
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
A hot beverage preparation device (10), in particular a fully automatic coffee machine, is described, comprising at least one liquid container (3) and a level indicator (3b) for displaying the fill level in the liquid container (3). The level indicator (3b) includes at least one light source (3c) capable of emitting radiation (S) of a desired wavelength and has a display area (3a) towards which the emitted radiation (S) is directed when liquid (4a) is present in the liquid container (3), and away from which the emitted radiation (S) is directed when liquid (4a) is absent from the liquid container (3). The direction of the radiation (S) is based on the different refractive indices of the liquid (4a) and air (4b).