Beverage machine with optical measuring system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing machines face challenges in accurately measuring the filling quantity of granules, such as coffee beans or powder, which affects the quality and consistency of the beverages produced.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical distance measurement system using a laser range finder, which measures the fill level by determining the travel distance of a light beam, allowing for precise determination of the granule quantity through distance values and enabling real-time monitoring and control of the filling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical distance measurement is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical filling quantity measurement systems with an optical distance measurement system. A light source emits light that reflects off the granule surface, and a sensor detects the reflected light to determine distance. This optical system provides more precise measurement of filling quantity without mechanical contact, resolving the contradiction by substituting mechanical measurement with optical measurement to achieve higher precision while managing system complexity.
2Productivity
If real-time monitoring is implemented, then productivity is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical distance measurement system operates periodically rather than continuously, performing measurements at key moments during the beverage preparation process (before filling, during filling, and after filling). This periodic operation enables real-time monitoring capability to maintain productivity while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring, as the system activates only when measurement data is needed for process control.
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 provides accurate and reliable measurement of the granule quantity, ensuring consistent beverage quality, preventing overfilling or underfilling, and allowing for real-time adjustments during the filling process, thus improving the taste and efficiency of beverage production.
Implementation Method 1
a device for optical distance measurement, which is designed to measure the fill level in the container in the form of a distance value based on the travel distance of a light beam
Implementation Method 2
A laser beam is usually used for optical distance measurement, which is why the device is also referred to as a laser range finder
Implementation Method 3
a photosensor, in particular a photodiode or a phototransistor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5e
AI summary
The invention relates to a drinks machine for producing drinks using granules (5), comprising a container (4) for receiving the granules (5), a filling unit (9) for filling the granules (5) into the container (4) and a Beverage preparation unit (3), characterized in that the drinks machine comprises a device for optical distance measurement (1) which is designed to measure the fill level in the container (4) in the form of a distance value based on the travel distance of a light beam (2). The invention also relates to a corresponding method for filling level measurement.