Beverage Maker Sealed Reservoir with Dual-Sensor Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic beverage makers lack accurate temperature control for brewing, leading to suboptimal brewing temperatures and potential pressure increases due to uneven water heating, and do not provide options for adjusting brewing temperatures to suit individual preferences without compromising design, style, or affordability.
Innovation Solution
An automatic beverage maker with a sealed water tank equipped with a heating element, a temperature probe, and dual NTC thermistors positioned within the tank to accurately measure incoming and outgoing water temperatures, allowing for precise control of brewing and preheating temperatures, along with a controller to manage the heating element based on sensor readings, and a drainage system for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single temperature sensor is used at the reservoir bottom, then the device structure is simple, but the temperature measurement is inaccurate because the hottest water is at the top
Solution Approach 1:
The single temperature sensor is segmented into multiple sensors (first temperature sensor near the bottom, second temperature sensor near the top) positioned at different locations within the reservoir. This segmentation allows each sensor to measure the temperature at its specific location, and the controller uses these distributed measurements to accurately determine the overall water temperature, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature measurement transitions from a single-point measurement (one dimension) to a multi-point spatial distribution measurement (adding spatial dimensions). By positioning sensors at different vertical locations within the reservoir, the system captures the temperature gradient throughout the water volume, achieving comprehensive temperature assessment without requiring a single complex sensor.
2Temperature
If the water temperature is increased to optimize brewing, then the brewing quality is improved, but the pressure within the sealed tank increases potentially dangerously
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously receives feedback from multiple temperature sensors positioned throughout the reservoir and adjusts the heating element operation accordingly. By monitoring temperature at multiple points and using this feedback to control heating, the system maintains water temperature within a safe range that optimizes brewing while preventing excessive pressure buildup in the sealed tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter control strategy by using multiple sensor readings to determine when to activate or deactivate the heating element. Instead of relying on a single temperature threshold, the controller compares temperatures at different locations and activates heating only when the overall water temperature is below the optimal brewing temperature, thereby achieving safe temperature control that prevents pressure issues.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single brewing temperature is provided, then the heating system is simple, but it cannot accommodate different user preferences for cooler or hotter brews
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control system transitions from a static single-temperature setting to a dynamic multi-temperature system. The controller can activate the heating element based on different temperature thresholds and sensor readings, enabling it to provide various brewing temperatures (cooler, optimal, hotter) depending on user preferences and real-time temperature conditions, while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.
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
Ensures consistent optimal brewing temperatures, prevents overheating and pressure increases, and allows users to adjust brewing temperatures, enhancing brewing quality and safety while maintaining design and affordability.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element contacting an outer surface of the sealed water tank for heating water contained within the water tank
Implementation Method 2
The first and second temperature sensors each comprise a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic beverage maker having a water supply, a housing having a base, a body and a pod section, a sealed water tank within the housing body, a heating system for controlling the heating of water contained within the water tank, a first water line connecting the water supply to the water tank inlet, a second water e connecting the water outlet to the cavity of the housing pod section, a water pump for moving water from the water supply to the tank via the first water line and from the tank to the cavity of the housing pod section via the second water line. A drain line fluidly coupled to the sealed tank and having an open end for discharging water from the sealed water tank may also be used.