Beverage Maker Electrochemical Sensor for Water Quality Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage makers do not effectively ensure the hygiene of water used in the preparation of drinks, leading to potential contamination and compromised drink quality.
Innovation Solution
A beverage maker equipped with a sensor device and evaluation system that detects chemical ingredients in the water using electrochemical sensors, preventing contaminated water from entering the system by monitoring water quality and controlling the fluid system accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If water is stored in a tank for later use, then convenience of operation is improved, but water quality deteriorates due to contamination over time
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device performs preliminary detection of water quality parameters (turbidity, temperature, electrical conductivity) before the water is used for beverage preparation. This allows the system to identify contaminated water in advance and prevent its use, thereby maintaining water quality while still providing the convenience of stored water.
2Measurement precision
If a sensor device is installed in the supply line, then water quality detection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is designed to perform multiple detection functions simultaneously using different sensing mechanisms (turbidity sensors for particle detection, temperature sensors for thermal detection, electrical conductivity sensors for dissolved substance detection). This multi-functionality allows comprehensive water quality assessment while minimizing the number of separate devices needed, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 the quality of drinks by maintaining fresh water and improving overall hygiene by preventing contaminated water from entering the preparation system, allowing for safe and high-quality beverage production.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor means has a measuring chamber with at least one electrode for measuring an electrical property of the water, preferably the conductance, impedance, or the electrical current between the electrode and a reference potential
Implementation Method 2
the sensor means within the measuring chamber comprises at least two active electrodes for providing an electric current through the liquid to effect a chemical conversion of the chemical constituent in the water
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a beverage maker (100) comprising: - a body (110); - a fluid system (147) arranged in the body (110), which includes the following components: - a water source (), for example, a tank, and a supply line for supplying the water (W) to the fluid system; - a brewing device () for receiving a dry substance, through which the water can flow to prepare the beverage; - an outlet device (120, 125, 126) for dispensing the prepared beverage; wherein the beverage maker includes a control device (180) for controlling the fluid system (147) for preparing a beverage. The beverage maker includes a sensor device (200) with a sensor element (210) and an evaluation device (280), wherein the sensor device (200) is configured to detect a chemical ingredient in the water (W), and wherein the control device (180) is connected to the sensor device (200).