Device for connecting a beverage machine to a distribution network with safe flow interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage preparation machines face challenges in reliably connecting to external liquid delivery systems, such as city water distribution networks, due to potential valve malfunctions which can lead to overflow or inconsistent liquid supply.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a serial fluidic arrangement of multiple valves, including a main and backup valve, controlled by a unit that senses flow and liquid levels to ensure continuous operation even if one valve fails, and integrated sensors for on-demand liquid supply and overflow prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single valve is used in the fluid connection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of liquid supply is compromised due to potential valve malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The single valve is segmented into multiple valves (first valve and second valve) arranged in parallel. Each valve can independently control the fluid flow, so if one valve malfunctions, the other can still maintain the liquid supply. This segmentation increases reliability while keeping each individual valve component relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a backup valve that stands ready to compensate for potential failures of the primary valve. This prior cushioning approach ensures that if a valve malfunction occurs, the system has already prepared a redundant component to maintain operation, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex real-time decision-making systems.
2Reliability
If multiple valves in parallel configuration are used, then the reliability of liquid supply is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel valve configuration segments the control function across multiple independent valves. Each valve handles a portion of the reliability burden, and their parallel arrangement ensures that the system can tolerate failures in individual valves. This segmentation strategy improves reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each valve in the parallel configuration can be optimized for specific local conditions or functions. The first valve may be optimized for normal operation while the second valve is optimized for backup or emergency conditions. This local quality approach allows each component to be relatively simple while the overall system achieves high reliability through their coordinated arrangement.
3Productivity
If manual refilling is used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the productivity of beverage preparation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device enables the beverage machine to automatically refill its own water tank by connecting directly to the city water distribution network. The system performs the refilling operation itself without requiring manual intervention, thereby significantly improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through simple connection and disconnection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically refilling the water tank before the beverage preparation process is needed. The connecting device can continuously or periodically refill the tank in advance, ensuring that the machine is always ready for operation without waiting for manual refilling, thus improving productivity while keeping the operation simple for the user.
4Productivity
If direct connection to city water network is implemented, then the productivity of beverage preparation is improved, but the risk of overflow and valve malfunction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel valve configuration provides beforehand cushioning against potential valve failures. By having two valves in parallel, the system prepares a backup control mechanism that can take over if the primary valve malfunctions or causes overflow, thereby reducing the harmful effects while maintaining the productivity benefits of direct water network connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that provide feedback on liquid levels and valve operation status. This feedback mechanism allows the control unit to monitor the system continuously and respond to abnormal conditions such as potential overflow or valve malfunction, thereby reducing harmful factors while maintaining high productivity through automated control.
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) to supply such liquid to the machine (2). The device (1) has: an inlet (10) for a fluid connection to the external system (3); an outlet (13) for delivering liquid 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; and a control unit (14) for switching the valve arrangement (12a, 12b) between its open configuration and its closed configuration. The valve arrangement (12a, 12b) comprises two or more valves (12a, 12b) that are in serial fluidic configuration between the inlet (10) and the outlet (13). Two such valves (12a, 12b) may be controlled in parallel by the control unit (14) to be both simultaneously open or both simultaneously. Two such valves (12a, 12b) can be controlled separately by the control unit (14) so that a first valve (12a) of such valves (12a, 12b) is open or closed for establishing or interrupting the fluidic connection as required for supplying liquid to the machine and so that a second valve (12b) of such valves (12a, 12b) is open as long as the first valve (12a) opens and closes as controlled by the control unit (14) and is closed when the first valve (12a) is malfunctioning.