A hot beverage preparation machine comprising a temperature sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hot beverage preparation machines lack error detection and alert mechanisms, leading to potential malfunctions such as uncontrollable valve operation and insufficient brewing, which can result in inconsistent beverage quality and operational inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A hot beverage preparation machine equipped with a temperature sensor on the valve and a control unit that monitors temperature values to detect errors, such as valve malfunctions and temperature deviations, and provides alerts for errors, ensuring precise brewing and energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a temperature sensor is installed on the valve to monitor brewing temperature, then error detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by installing a temperature sensor on the valve that continuously monitors the temperature of brewing water during the brewing process. The sensor transmits temperature data to a control unit, which compares the measured temperature against expected temperature ranges. This feedback mechanism enables automatic error detection when temperature deviations occur, improving reliability without requiring complex manual monitoring systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If continuous temperature monitoring is implemented during brewing, then brewing precision is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrewing precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous temperature monitoring throughout the brewing process to ensure brewing precision. The temperature sensor operates continuously during brewing, providing real-time data to the control unit, which can detect and respond to temperature deviations immediately, ensuring consistent brewing quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If error alert mechanisms are added to the brewing machine, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit receives temperature data from the sensor and implements feedback control. When the measured temperature falls outside the expected range, the control unit generates an error signal that can trigger alerts or automatic corrective actions. This feedback-based error detection system improves operational reliability by providing real-time monitoring and response capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution ensures continuous and error-free brewing processes, prevents energy wastage by controlling valve operation, and alerts users to potential brewing issues, ensuring a consistently high-quality beverage is produced.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature sensor (7) that is disposed on the valve (6) and that measures the temperature of the brewed beverage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermocouple

Implementation Method 2

a water container (2) wherein the brewing water is heated, a heater (3) that enables the water inside the water container (2) to be heated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3125728B1A hot beverage preparation machine comprising a temperature sensor
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 ARCELIK AS
  • EP3125728B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3125728B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a hot beverage preparation machine (1) comprising a water container (2) wherein water is filled, a heater (3) that enables the water inside the water container (2) to be heated, a brewing chamber (4) wherein the raw material of the beverage to be prepared is placed and whereto the water heated in the water container (2) is transferred, and wherein the brewing process is performed as a result of the interaction between the raw beverage material and water, a pot (5) with the upper surface thereof being at least partially open, that is disposed under the brewing chamber (4) and whereto the beverage brewed in the brewing chamber (4) is transferred, and a valve (6) that is disposed on the brewing chamber (4) and that enables the brewed beverage to be transferred into the pot (5).