Beverage Machine Liquid Supply Connector with Overflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage preparation machines face challenges in efficiently and safely connecting to external liquid delivery systems, such as city water distribution networks, to ensure continuous and controlled liquid supply without manual refilling, while preventing overflow due to sensor malfunctions or mechanical failures.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with an inlet for external liquid delivery, a valve arrangement switchable between open and closed configurations, and a control unit with integrated sensors for monitoring liquid levels and flow rates, including a safety mechanism to prevent overflow, allowing for automatic refilling and integration with existing machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a connecting device is used to automatically supply liquid from an external distribution network to a beverage machine, then manual refilling is eliminated and continuous operation is enabled, but the risk of overflow due to sensor malfunctions or mechanical failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing a maximum fill level sensor that proactively detects when the liquid level reaches a safe threshold before overflow can occur. This sensor triggers the control unit to close the valve arrangement, preventing overflow before it happens. The system acts in advance to prevent the harmful effect rather than reacting after failure occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by creating a safety margin through the maximum fill level sensor that detects liquid levels before they reach dangerous overflow conditions. This sensor provides a cushion of safety by triggering valve closure at a predetermined safe level, compensating for potential sensor malfunctions or mechanical delays in the primary liquid level detection system.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are used to monitor liquid levels and control valve arrangements, then precise control and overflow prevention are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the liquid level monitoring function into two distinct sensor types: a primary liquid level sensor for normal operation and a maximum fill level sensor for safety monitoring. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific function, with the maximum fill level sensor providing dedicated overflow prevention without interfering with the primary monitoring system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that receives signals from both the liquid level sensor and the maximum fill level sensor, processes this information, and controls the valve arrangement accordingly. This intermediary approach allows the system to integrate multiple sensor inputs and make coordinated control decisions, managing complexity through centralized intelligence rather than complex mechanical linkages.
3Ease of operation
If a valve arrangement is used to control liquid flow, then liquid supply control is improved, but the risk of mechanical failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by positioning the maximum fill level sensor to detect liquid levels before overflow can occur, triggering the control unit to close the valve arrangement in advance. This proactive approach ensures the valve is closed at the appropriate moment, compensating for potential mechanical delays or failures in the valve's response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback through the maximum fill level sensor that continuously monitors liquid level and provides real-time information to the control unit. When the sensor detects that the liquid level has reached the maximum safe level, it sends a feedback signal to the control unit, which then actuates the valve arrangement to close, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically corrects potential overflow conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connecting device (1) is configured for connecting a beverage machine (2) with an external liquid delivery system (3). The connecting device (1) has: an inlet (10) for a fluid connection to the external system (3); an outlet (13) for delivering liquid from the external system (3) via the inlet (10) to the beverage machine (2); a valve arrangement (12a, 12b) switchable between an open configuration for establishing a fluidic connection between the inlet (10) and the outlet (13) and a closed configuration for interrupting the fluidic connection; a control unit (14) for switching the valve arrangement (12a, 12b) between its open configuration and its closed configuration; and a sensor arrangement (15a, 15b) connected to the control unit (14) that is configured to switch the valve arrangement (12a, 12b) in response to a triggering signal from the sensor arrangement (15a, 15b). The outlet (13) is configured to deliver liquid from the external system (3) into a tank (20) of the machine (2) or of such connecting device (1). The sensor arrangement (15a, 15b) comprises: a low level sensor (15a) for detecting a low level (15a') of liquid in the tank (20) to generate a triggering signal for switching the valve arrangement (12a, 12b) to the open configuration so as to fill the tank (20) with liquid delivered by the outlet (13); and a high level sensor (15b) for detecting a high level (15b') of liquid in the tank (20) to generate a triggering signal for switching the valve arrangement (12a, 12b) to the closed configuration. The control unit (14) is also arranged to switch the valve arrangement (12a, 12b) into the closed configuration: when a predetermined period of time has lapsed after switching the valve arrangement (12a, 12b) into the open configuration; and/or when a further sensor (15c) provides a signal to the control unit (14) that indicates that the high level (15b') has been exceeded.