Beverage Maker Ultrasonic Flow Measurement for Hygienic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage makers face challenges in accurately measuring and controlling fluid flow, temperature, and air bubbles, leading to inconsistencies in drink preparation, which affects taste and hygiene due to mechanical flow sensors' susceptibility to contamination and complexity in design.
Innovation Solution
A beverage maker utilizing an ultrasonic flow measuring system and magnetic induction flow measuring system with no moving parts, allowing for precise measurement of fluid flow, temperature, and air bubble detection, enabling a hygienic design and efficient control of fluid parameters without dead spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical flow sensors are used to measure fluid flow, then flow measurement capability is provided, but the sensors are susceptible to contamination and limescale buildup, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical flow sensors with an ultrasonic flow measurement system that uses acoustic waves to measure fluid flow velocity. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts that are susceptible to contamination and limescale buildup, thereby maintaining measurement precision while significantly improving reliability in beverage-making applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ultrasonic waves as an intermediary medium to measure fluid flow. Instead of direct mechanical contact between the sensor and fluid, the ultrasonic waves pass through the fluid to provide flow information, eliminating the harmful interaction between mechanical sensor components and the fluid, thus preventing contamination and limescale accumulation
2Measurement precision
If mechanical flow sensors with impellers are used, then flow measurement is achieved, but the inertia of the impeller makes them inaccurate with pulsating flows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical impeller-based flow sensors with an ultrasonic flow measurement system that measures fluid velocity by detecting the speed of sound in the moving fluid. This eliminates the inertia of mechanical impellers, enabling accurate measurement of pulsating flows and rapid response to flow changes without mechanical lag
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes ultrasonic vibration to measure fluid flow. By emitting ultrasonic waves through the fluid and detecting the Doppler shift or transit time changes caused by fluid motion, the system achieves high-speed, accurate flow measurement that responds instantaneously to pulsating flow conditions without mechanical inertia
3Measurement precision
If mechanical flow meters are used in dairy systems, then flow measurement is provided, but they cannot achieve dead-space-free design for CIP cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical flow meters with an ultrasonic flow measurement system that can be mounted externally or integrated without mechanical moving parts in the fluid path. This allows the fluid channel to be designed with smooth, dead-space-free geometry that is easily cleanable by CIP (Clean in Place) systems, while flow measurement is performed by ultrasonic waves passing through the fluid without mechanical interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies curved, rounded transitions in the fluid channel design where the ultrasonic flow measurement system is integrated. These curved geometries eliminate sharp corners and dead spaces that trap fluid and prevent proper CIP cleaning, while the ultrasonic measurement components are positioned to not interfere with the smooth flow path required for hygienic design
4Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to detect air bubbles and measure temperature, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the ultrasonic flow measurement system multi-functional by utilizing the same ultrasonic transducers to measure not only fluid flow velocity but also temperature and air bubble detection. By analyzing the speed of sound and attenuation characteristics of ultrasonic waves in the fluid, the system simultaneously provides multiple measurement functions, reducing device complexity and space requirements compared to using separate dedicated sensors for each parameter
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (flow velocity, temperature, air bubble detection) into a single ultrasonic flow measurement system. The ultrasonic transducers serve multiple purposes: measuring flow by detecting velocity-induced changes in sound wave propagation, measuring temperature by detecting sound speed variations, and detecting air bubbles by measuring signal attenuation. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate sensors and simplifies the overall device 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
This solution provides accurate and reliable control over fluid flow and temperature, ensuring consistent drink preparation, reducing maintenance needs, and facilitating easy cleaning, while maintaining a hygienic design.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic flow measuring system with no moving parts
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic flow measuring system with no moving parts
Implementation Method 3
magnetic induction flow measuring system
Implementation Method 4
Air bubbles in the fluid change the speed of sound and the attenuation of the signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
AI summary
Beverage maker comprising a conveying device (5) for conveying a fluid (F), and a flow measuring system (4) for detecting one or more a flow rate of the fluid (F), a property of the fluid (F) and/or a state of the fluid (F ) characterizing parameter(s), characterized in that the conveying device (5) can be at least controlled, preferably even regulated, using one or more of the detected parameters.