Beverage preparation device with simple multi-thermal conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines suffer from significant heat exchange issues that lead to temperature fluctuations in the liquid extract, affecting the quality of beverages like coffee and tea, particularly when using centrifugal systems, as the liquid comes into contact with large surfaces, causing temperature deviations from the desired range.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with a thermal conditioner that includes a guide and thermal device to control water temperature, allowing for two modes of operation: a first mode for precise temperature control and a second mode with reduced power to maintain water temperature closer to room temperature, ensuring consistent beverage quality by minimizing heat exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate heating elements are used to provide different thermal conditions, then thermal variety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is segmented into multiple independent heating zones along its length, each capable of being controlled separately to provide different thermal conditions (e.g., hot, warm, cool, room temperature) for different portions of the beverage container simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
A single heating element performs multiple thermal functions by incorporating multiple heating zones that can be independently controlled, replacing the need for multiple separate heating elements while maintaining thermal variety
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate heating elements are used to provide different thermal conditions, then thermal variety is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple heating zones are integrated into a single heating element structure, combining what would traditionally require multiple separate heating elements into one unified component, thereby reducing material costs, assembly complexity, and manufacturing expenses
3Device complexity
If a single heating element is used, then device complexity is reduced, but thermal variety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single heating element is divided into multiple independently controllable heating zones along its length, allowing each zone to be activated or deactivated separately to create various thermal profiles and conditions for the beverage
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
The machine effectively maintains water temperature within a desired range, preserving the quality of beverages by reducing temperature deviations and ensuring optimal extraction of ingredients, thus enhancing the taste and aroma of prepared drinks.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element having a plurality of independently controllable heating zones
Implementation Method 2
a refrigeration system configured to cool the beverage container to a desired temperature
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 3~4a
AI summary
A machine for preparing a beverage (3) from a flavouring ingredient (2) has a beverage processing unit (10,20) with: a holder (10) delimiting a mixing chamber (11) in which the flavouring ingredient is received, held and mixed with water (4) during beverage preparation; and a water inlet (22) configured to guide water (4) into the mixing chamber (11) where it is mixed with the flavouring ingredient (2) to form the beverage (3). The machine (1) has a thermal conditioner (30) that has a body (31) with: a guide (32) for guiding the water (4) towards the beverage processing unit (10,20); and a thermal device (33) that is able to be powered to thermally conditioning the guide (32). The machine (1) has a liquid driving arrangement (5) with: a driving mode to drive the water (4); and a stationary mode. The machine has a control unit (7) to control the thermal device (33) and the driving arrangement (5), the control unit (7) being selectively in: a first control mode in which the thermal device (33) is powered so that the water (4) located along the guide (32) is thermally conditioned; and a second control mode different to the first control mode. The control unit (7) has a selection arrangement for selecting one of a first beverage preparation mode using the first control mode and a second beverage preparation mode using the second control mode. In the second control mode the thermal device is unpowered or powered at a powering level that is significantly below a powering level of the thermal device (33) in the first control mode. Upon selection via the selection arrangement (71) of the second beverage preparation mode, the control unit (7) is configured to switch the driving arrangement (5) from the stationary to the driving mode and/or maintain the driving arrangement (5) in the driving mode.