Beverage Outlet Projection for Visible Fill Level Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation devices, such as coffee and espresso machines, lack an effective method to prominently convey information to the user about the desired fill level of the beverage, making it difficult for users to perceive this information in a conspicuous and aesthetically pleasing manner.
Innovation Solution
A projection system is integrated into the device, using a transilluminated slide as a symbol or character carrier, with a light source and optics to project symbols or characters onto the beverage surface above the beverage receiving position, allowing for precise adjustment and high-intensity projection, ensuring the user is informed about the target fill level in a visually appealing way.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a projection system is integrated into the beverage preparation device, then information about the desired fill level can be conveyed prominently and conspicuously, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projection system is integrated into the existing beverage preparation device, allowing the device to serve multiple functions: beverage preparation and information display. The projection system uses the existing structural elements of the device (housing, beverage outlet unit) to convey fill level information, making the display function part of the overall device rather than a completely separate system.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection system acts as an intermediary between the device's control system and the user. Instead of direct visual indicators on the device surface, the system projects symbols or characters onto the beverage itself or the beverage receiving position, creating a visual mediator that communicates fill level information prominently and conspicuously.
2Illumination intensity
If a transilluminated slide is used as a symbol or character carrier, then high-intensity projection is achieved in an uncomplicated manner, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slide is pre-illuminated from the rear side with a light source, creating a transilluminated effect before the light reaches the projection optics. This preliminary illumination of the slide ensures that the symbols or characters are brightly lit, which simplifies the requirements for the projection optics and light source intensity while achieving high projection intensity on the beverage surface.
3Measurement precision
If the projection system is pivotally arranged, then the projection position on the beverage surface can be precisely adjusted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projection system is arranged to be pivotally mounted, allowing it to rotate or adjust its orientation dynamically. This dynamic arrangement enables the projection position on the beverage surface to be precisely adjusted by changing the angle of the projection optics, providing flexibility without requiring complex multi-axis adjustment mechanisms.
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
The solution enables users to easily recognize the projected information on the beverage surface, providing a conspicuous and aesthetically pleasing method to convey the desired fill level, enhancing user experience and interaction with the device.
Implementation Method 1
a light source with a condenser is arranged in the projection system on the opposite side of the symbol or character carrier from the optics
Implementation Method 2
the imaging optics 7, there is preferably a slide as a symbol or character carrier, as well as a light source with a condenser on the side of the slide opposite the optics 7, which illuminate the slide so that the characters or symbols of the transilluminated slide in Direction are projected
Data Source
AI summary
In a beverage preparation device, in particular a coffee and/or espresso machine, with a housing (1) from which a beverage outlet unit (4) protrudes at a distance above a base (2) of the housing, a receptacle (3) can be placed on the base in a Beverage receiving position (3a) are positioned. An optical projection system (6) is arranged on the housing (1) above the base (2) in order to provide the user with visible information in connection with the beverage preparation device is suitable for projecting the symbol or character carrier downwards in the direction of the beverage receiving position (3a).