Beverage Machine with Thermoelectric Cooling to Reduce Size and Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems for producing both hot and cold beverages are bulky, noisy, and expensive due to the use of high-capacity coolers with refrigerant gases, making them unsuitable for domestic use.
Innovation Solution
A compact beverage preparation machine with interchangeable reservoirs and auxiliary modules, including a thermoelectric cooler and recirculation mechanism, allows for efficient temperature control and disinfection, enabling the dispensing of hot and cold beverages without the need for large, high-capacity coolers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high capacity coolers with refrigerant gases are used to cool large volumes of water quickly, then cooling capacity is improved, but device size, noise level and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage preparation system is divided into separate functional modules: a hot beverage preparation unit and a cold beverage preparation unit. The cold beverage unit uses a small thermoelectric cooler for localized cooling of water in a reservoir, rather than requiring a large high-capacity cooler. This segmentation allows each module to be compact while collectively providing both hot and cold beverage capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical compression refrigeration system (with refrigerant gases and large compressors) with a thermoelectric cooling system. The thermoelectric cooler uses electrical current to directly generate cooling effect through the Peltier effect, eliminating the need for mechanical compressors and large refrigerant circulation systems, thereby reducing device size and noise.
2Speed
If high capacity coolers are used to lower water temperature quickly, then cooling speed is improved, but noise level and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric cooler provides sufficient cooling speed for the relatively small volume of water in the reservoir without requiring complex mechanical refrigeration systems. The solid-state thermoelectric cooling mechanism is simpler, quieter, and more reliable than traditional compression-based systems while maintaining adequate cooling performance for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of cooling large volumes of water to the required temperature, the system cools a smaller volume of water in the reservoir to a temperature slightly below the target (5-30°C below ambient). This partial cooling approach is sufficient for the application and allows the use of a simpler, smaller cooling system without compromising beverage preparation quality.
3Productivity
If large volumes of water are cooled quickly, then cooling capacity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the water cooling function into a localized thermoelectric cooler that cools only the water in the reservoir rather than requiring a large-scale cooling system to treat large volumes of water. This reduces the total energy required for cooling while maintaining the ability to prepare cold beverages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system cools water to a temperature range that is partially below the minimum required temperature (5-30°C below ambient). This over-cooling approach allows the use of a smaller, lower-power thermoelectric cooler while still achieving the desired beverage temperature through mixing with ambient water, thereby reducing energy consumption.
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 provides a compact, cost-effective solution for dispensing a range of beverages by using thermoelectric cooling and recirculation with UV disinfection, reducing bulk and noise while maintaining temperature control for both hot and cold beverages.
Implementation Method 1
The auxiliary module may be a chilling module. The chilling module may comprise a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) or peltier heat pump.
Implementation Method 2
The chilling module may comprise a recirculation mechanism for diverting aqueous medium cooled by the chilling module back to the reservoir.
Implementation Method 3
an auxiliary module may be a UV disinfection unit
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage preparation machine for dispensing beverages comprising: a housing; a first reservoir station; a first reservoir for containing an aqueous medium, the first reservoir being connectable to said first reservoir station; an auxiliary module station for receiving an auxiliary module.