Machine for preparing a beverage provided with a water tank and a pressure sensor for measuring an amount of water extracted from said tank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines for varying drink volumes are complex and costly, relying on electric pumps or flow meters for accurate volume control, which are expensive and prone to estimation errors.
Innovation Solution
A simpler design that uses a pressure sensor to detect water volume variations in the tank, allowing for precise control of the heating element's power supply to deliver the selected volume of hot water, eliminating the need for electric pumps or flow meters and providing accurate volume measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electric pumps or flow meters are used to control water volume, then volume measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the volume measurement function from complex devices (electric pumps, flow meters) and implements it using a simple pressure sensor that detects water level changes in the tank. This separates the measurement function from the water delivery mechanism, achieving accurate volume control without complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems (flow meters with moving parts) with a pressure-based detection system. The pressure sensor converts water level changes into electrical signals for volume measurement, eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If electric pumps or flow meters are used to control water volume, then volume measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pressure sensor that is significantly cheaper than electric pumps or flow meters. This cost-effective sensing approach enables accurate volume measurement without the high manufacturing costs associated with traditional water delivery control systems.
3Device complexity
If predefined parameters and timing algorithms are used to control water delivery, then device complexity is reduced, but volume measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the pressure sensor continuously monitors water level changes and provides real-time volume information to the control system. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of heating element power supply based on actual water consumption, achieving both simplicity and accuracy.
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 reduces manufacturing costs, enhances accuracy by measuring real-time water volume drawn, and ensures the selected drink volume is prepared correctly, while maintaining a cost-effective and efficient beverage preparation process.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor intended to detect a variation in the volume of water in the tank
Implementation Method 2
a boiler comprising a water tube and a heating element configured to heat the water circulating in the water tube
Implementation Method 3
a non-return valve arranged between the water tank and the water tube for the implementation of a heat pump ensuring a flow of hot water from said water tube towards said receptacle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a machine (1) for preparing a beverage, in particular coffee or tea, comprising a water reservoir (3), a boiler including a tube and an element for heating the water in the tube, a non-return valve arranged between the reservoir and the tube to operate a heat pump ensuring the flow of hot water to an outlet in the tube, and control means electrically controlling the heating element and allowing the selection of a beverage volume to be prepared. The control means implement a management algorithm that controls the electrical supply of said heating element to provide said receptacle with a volume of hot water.The control means include a pressure sensor (17) intended to detect a variation in the volume of water in the reservoir, the management algorithm commanding the shutdown of the heating element when the variation in the volume of water in the reservoir allows the selected volume of beverage to be prepared.