Beverage Pump Voltage Control for Quiet Startup and Brew Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage production modules face challenges in user friendliness and beverage quality, particularly in managing pump noise and liquid delivery pressure during the brewing process.
Innovation Solution
A beverage production module with a controller that operates a pump at a reduced voltage level initially and then switches to a normal voltage level, using a Buck-converter or motor chopper circuit, to reduce noise and regulate liquid flow, enhancing the quality of the beverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the pump operates at normal voltage level throughout the brewing process, then liquid delivery pressure is sufficient, but pump noise increases during startup
Solution Approach 1:
The controller applies a reduced voltage level to the pump during a preliminary period after activation, before the brewing process begins. This preliminary action reduces pump noise during startup while the brewing process starts with reduced liquid flow. Once the brewing process is initiated, the controller switches to normal voltage level to ensure sufficient liquid delivery pressure for the remainder of the brewing process.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the pump operates at reduced voltage level to reduce noise, then pump noise decreases, but liquid delivery pressure becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts the voltage level applied to the pump based on the brewing process state. The system transitions from a reduced voltage level during the preliminary period to a normal voltage level during the brewing process. This dynamic adjustment ensures that pump noise is reduced when brewing hasn't started, while liquid delivery pressure is sufficient when brewing is actively occurring.
3Reliability
If the pump voltage is adjusted during operation, then beverage quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller changes the voltage parameter applied to the pump based on the brewing process timing. The system uses a predefined activation period to determine when to switch between reduced and normal voltage levels. This parameter change approach improves beverage quality by ensuring proper liquid delivery pressure during brewing while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple through time-based switching logic.
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 effectively reduces pump noise during startup and adjusts liquid delivery pressure to improve the quality of the beverage, ensuring a better 'in-cup' experience by controlling the voltage applied to the pump.
Implementation Method 1
A beverage production module with a controller that operates a pump at a reduced voltage level initially and then switches to a normal voltage level, using a Buck-converter or motor chopper circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage production module that includes a pump for delivering a fluid from a tank to an extraction chamber, a power source for the pump and a controller for operating the pump and for controlling the voltage applied from the power source to the pump. The controller is adapted to operate the pump both at a normal operation voltage over a predefined time at a reduced voltage level. The invention further relates to a method for operating the pump of the beverage production module.