Beverage Pump Acoustic Feedback for Flow and Noise Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage preparation machines with pumps suffer from noise variability due to dimensional and assembly tolerances, leading to inconsistent beverage characteristics across nominally identical machines.
Innovation Solution
A machine equipped with an electric flowrate sensor, a power variator device, and a control unit that adjusts the electric power to the pump based on noise and flowrate data from microphone and flowrate sensors to maintain consistent beverage production and reduce noise levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pumps are used in beverage preparation machines, then beverage preparation is enabled, but noise is generated due to dimensional and assembly tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives signals from the microphone sensor indicating the loudness of pump noise and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the pump's operating parameters. The control unit modifies the drive current characteristics based on the detected noise level, creating a closed-loop system that automatically reduces noise while maintaining beverage preparation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the electrical parameters (current amplitude, frequency, duty cycle) supplied to the pump motor based on detected noise levels. By varying these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between pump performance and noise generation, reducing acoustic emissions without compromising beverage preparation capability.
2Device complexity
If standard pumps with fixed characteristics are used, then device complexity is reduced, but beverage characteristics vary significantly between nominally identical machines
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures the actual noise characteristics generated by each pump and uses this information to individually optimize operating parameters. The control unit stores characteristic data for each pump and adjusts drive parameters accordingly, ensuring that each machine delivers consistent beverage characteristics despite manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary characterization of each pump during initialization or setup, measuring its specific noise and performance characteristics. This preliminary data is stored and used to pre-config optimal operating parameters before actual beverage preparation, compensating for manufacturing variations without requiring complex hardware modifications.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If microphone sensor and control algorithms are added to detect and reduce pump noise, then noise levels are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microphone sensor serves multiple functions: it detects pump noise for active noise reduction, characterizes individual pump acoustic signatures, and provides data for optimizing beverage preparation parameters. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of the sensor by extracting maximum value from a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational noise as the measurement signal, eliminating the need for separate test equipment or external calibration devices. The pump's own acoustic emissions during normal operation are captured and processed by the control unit, which automatically adjusts parameters without external intervention.
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 ensures consistent beverage characteristics and reduced noise levels by dynamically adjusting the electric power to the pump, compensating for manufacturing tolerances and optimizing beverage preparation based on the type and form of the substance used.
Implementation Method 1
an electric sensor of the microphone type, denoted by 20 in Figure 1, which is designed to provide electric signals indicating the loudness of the noise generated, during operation, by the machine 1 and, primarily, by the electric pump 4
Implementation Method 2
The pump 4 may be conveniently of the vibration type, comprising an excitation winding 8 intended to be supplied with an alternating-current voltage
Implementation Method 3
an electric power variator device, denoted by 15 in Figure 1, having a control input 15c, intended to receive from the control and regulating unit ECU variable regulation signals able to cause a variation in the electric power supplied to the pump 4
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The machine comprises a brewing assembly (10) adapted to receive an amount or dose of a substance (1 1) for preparing a beverage, a pump (4) provided with an electric motor (8) for pumping a flow of liquid towards and through the brewing assembly (10); a flowrate detector (6) associated with the pump (4); a microphone sensor (20) adapted to provide electric signals indicating the loudness of the noise generated by the machine (1) during operation, and control circuits (ECU, 15) connected to the microphone sensor (5), the flowrate detector (6) and the pump (4) and designed to activate the pump (4) for preparation of a beverage depending on the signals provided by the microphone sensor (20) and by the flowrate detector (6). The control circuits (ECU, 15) are designed to drive the motor (8) of the pump (4) so as to reduce the loudness of said noise.