Beverage maker and method for determining hot water amounts output by a beverage maker and/or used in same for beverage preparation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage makers lack the capability to simultaneously or staggeredly dispense two or more hot beverages with high dosing accuracy, as they either suffer from significant dosing fluctuations or require substantial additional parts and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating at least two flow meters, one in the cold water path and one or more in separate hot water paths, allowing for precise measurement and calculation of hot water quantities dispensed through each outlet, enabling accurate dosing of multiple beverages simultaneously or at different times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single flow meter is used in the cold water path, then cost is reduced, but dosing accuracy deteriorates when multiple beverages are dispensed simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the water flow measurement by separating the cold water path measurement (single flow meter) from the hot water path measurements (individual flow meters for each hot water outlet). This allows accurate measurement of each beverage stream independently while using a cost-effective single flow meter for the cold water supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that calculates the hot water quantity for each outlet by subtracting the measured hot water quantities from the total cold water quantity. This mediator approach enables accurate dosing without requiring direct measurement in every path, reducing overall system cost while maintaining precision.
2Measurement precision
If two different heating points and DFM in front of each are used, then dosing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the measurement function for multiple hot water outlets by using individual flow meters in each hot water path combined with a central control unit that performs calculations. This combining approach achieves accurate dosing for multiple beverages while avoiding the complexity of having redundant measurement systems for each outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it manages the pump, controls heating elements, measures cold water quantity, receives hot water measurements from individual flow meters, and performs calculations to determine precise dosing for each beverage. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high dosing accuracy.
3Device complexity
If hot water systems refill the same amount of cold water as hot water drawn off, then system simplicity is maintained, but simultaneous dispensing of multiple products is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from individual flow meters in each hot water path to provide real-time measurement data to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables the system to track and control the quantity of hot water dispensed to each outlet independently, allowing simultaneous dispensing of multiple beverages while maintaining system simplicity through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the measurement and control strategy based on the number of active beverage dispensing operations. When multiple beverages are dispensed simultaneously, the control unit processes measurements from multiple flow meters and performs real-time calculations to ensure accurate dosing for each stream, enabling versatile operation without sacrificing simplicity.
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 configuration ensures high dosing accuracy for hot water and beverages, allowing for correct quantities to be dispensed or used for preparation, even when multiple beverages are prepared or consumed simultaneously, and includes leak monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow meter, which is arranged in the cold water path or in the first hot water path, and at least one second flow meter, which is arranged in the at least one second hot water path
Implementation Method 2
a heating device for heating water
Implementation Method 3
a pump conveys the brewing water to the brewing unit and pumps it through the ground coffee with the required pressure and quantity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a beverage maker which comprises a heating device for heating water, a cold water inlet, a first hot water outlet, at least one second hot water outlet, a cold water path connecting the cold water inlet to the heating device, a first hot water path connecting the heating device to the first hot water outlet, at least one second hot water path connecting the heating device to the at least one second hot water outlet, a conveying device for conveying water, a first flow meter which is located in the cold water path or in the first hot water path, and at least one second flow meter which is located in the at least one second hot water path. Each of the second hot water outlets is connected to the heating device via one of the second hot water paths, and one of the second flow meters is located in each of the second hot water paths. The beverage maker according to the invention makes it possible to output or prepare two or more hot drinks simultaneously or in a time-delayed manner with a high metering accuracy. The present invention also relates to a method for determining hot water amounts output by a beverage maker and/or used in same for beverage preparation.