Beverage Machine Priming Volume Adjustment for Temperature Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage machines, such as coffee machines, face challenges in optimizing the priming process to minimize user wait time while ensuring consistent water volume and temperature, as existing methods do not efficiently adjust the priming volume based on start-up temperature and idle time.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for priming a beverage machine that adjusts the priming volume based on the start-up temperature of the liquid in the hot tank, using a recirculation loop with a controller to circulate a first or second volume of liquid depending on whether the temperature is below or above a threshold, and also considers idle time to determine the appropriate volume for priming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed priming volume is used regardless of temperature conditions, then the system is simple to operate, but the water delivery temperature consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the priming volume adjustable based on temperature conditions. The system transitions from a fixed priming volume to a variable priming volume that adapts to different start-up temperatures, thereby maintaining temperature consistency while remaining operationally simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of priming volume based on the start-up temperature parameter. When the start-up temperature is below a threshold, a first (larger) priming volume is used; when above the threshold, a second (smaller) priming volume is used. This parameter adjustment ensures consistent water delivery temperature without complicating the operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If a larger priming volume is always used, then the water temperature consistency is improved, but the user wait time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the priming volume parameter based on the start-up temperature condition. By using a larger priming volume only when necessary (below threshold temperature) and a smaller volume when the temperature is already adequate (above threshold), the system achieves temperature consistency while minimizing user wait time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using a larger priming volume only when the temperature condition requires it, rather than always using a large volume. This selective approach ensures temperature consistency is achieved only when necessary, reducing unnecessary wait time for users.
3Loss of time
If a smaller priming volume is always used, then the user wait time is reduced, but the water delivery temperature consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the priming volume parameter based on the start-up temperature. The system uses a smaller priming volume when the start-up temperature is above the threshold (reducing wait time) and switches to a larger volume when the temperature is below the threshold (maintaining consistency), thus resolving the contradiction between speed and precision.
4Manufacturing precision
If the priming volume is adjusted based on start-up temperature, then the water delivery temperature consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting the priming volume based on the start-up temperature parameter. This is achieved through a controller that automatically selects between two priming volumes based on a temperature threshold comparison, maintaining simplicity while improving temperature consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from the temperature sensor to the controller, which then adjusts the priming volume accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures temperature consistency is maintained through automatic adjustment without requiring complex manual intervention or system redesign.
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 approach reduces user wait time by optimizing the priming process, ensuring consistent water volume and temperature delivery, and maintaining consistency in beverage production by adjusting the priming volume dynamically based on temperature and idle time.
Implementation Method 1
circulating a priming volume of the liquid through the recirculation loop
Implementation Method 2
measuring a start-up temperature of a liquid in a hot tank... heating the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A method for priming a beverage machine prior to vending a beverage. The beverage machine may include a reservoir tank, a hot tank, and a recirculation conduit that form a recirculation loop. The method may include measuring a temperature of a liquid in a hot tank of the beverage machine at boot-up. Upon the beverage machine being instructed to vend a beverage, the method may include priming the beverage machine by circulating a priming volume of the liquid through the recirculation loop. The priming volume may be a first volume when the temperature of the liquid in the hot tank is below a first threshold temperature and a second volume when the temperature of the liquid in the hot tank is above the first threshold temperature, the first volume being greater than the second volume. Idle time of the beverage machine may result in adjustments to the priming volume.