Beverage preparation device with a milk system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation devices face imprecision in metering milk quantities due to pump power variations based on milk viscosity and frothing processes, leading to inconsistent beverage quality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a flow meter in the milk system to measure milk volume accurately, with a control unit regulating the milk pump, and a flushing operation to adjust for measurement deviations, using a second flow meter for water to calibrate the milk flow meter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If pump conveying time is used to meter milk quantity, then the metering process is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to pump power variations and external influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump-based metering system with an electromagnetic flow meter that directly measures milk flow velocity and calculates volume. This substitution eliminates the imprecision caused by pump power variations, milk viscosity changes, and frothing effects, achieving accurate metering without complex mechanical adjustments or calibration procedures.
2Measurement precision
If a flow meter is added to measure milk volume accurately, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow meter is integrated into the existing milk conveying line and controlled by the beverage preparation device's control unit, allowing it to serve multiple functions: measuring milk volume for various beverage types, tracking milk consumption for inventory management, and providing data for quality control. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by eliminating the need for separate metering devices for different beverage preparations.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow meter automatically measures and reports milk volume data to the control unit without requiring manual intervention or calibration by the operator. The system self-adjusts to different milk types and temperatures, eliminating the need for complex calibration procedures and reducing operational complexity despite the added measurement capability.
3Power
If pump power is increased to convey thicker milk, then conveying capability improves, but measurement precision deteriorates due to power variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump-based metering system with an electromagnetic flow meter that directly measures milk flow velocity and calculates volume. This substitution eliminates the imprecision caused by pump power variations, milk viscosity changes, and frothing effects, achieving accurate metering without complex mechanical adjustments or calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow meter automatically adapts to changes in milk parameters such as viscosity, temperature, and fat content by continuously measuring flow velocity and calculating volume based on actual flow conditions. This allows accurate metering across a wide range of milk types and temperatures without requiring manual adjustment of pump power or metering parameters.
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 precise portioning of milk and froth, maintaining consistent beverage quality by compensating for measurement inaccuracies and extending the accuracy and service life of the flow meter.
Implementation Method 1
a flow meter, in particular a mechanical flow meter, which is arranged in the conveying line of a milk system and detects the conveyed volume of milk as soon as the milk flows through it
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage preparation device, in particular for preparing coffee, tea or milk beverages, having a milk system for dispensing milk and/or milk froth, and having a control unit for controlling the beverage preparation device to dispense beverages portion by portion. The milk system here has a connectable conveying line to a milk container, and a milk pump which is attached to the conveying line. A first mechanical flow meter is arranged in the conveying line, this flow meter meters the volume of milk conveyed by the milk pump and is connected in terms of signaling to the control unit.