Beverage production module and method for operating a beverage production module
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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 and pressure, enhancing the quality of the beverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the pump operates at normal voltage level throughout the brewing process, then liquid delivery pressure and flow rate are maintained, but pump noise increases during startup
Solution Approach 1:
The controller operates the pump at reduced voltage during a preliminary phase (first time period) before full brewing operation. This preliminary action reduces pump noise during startup while the brewing process progresses, and then switches to normal voltage to maintain liquid delivery pressure for optimal beverage quality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pump operates at reduced voltage level, then pump noise is reduced, but liquid delivery pressure and flow rate decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the pump's operating voltage based on the brewing process stage. The controller switches between reduced voltage (during first time period for noise reduction) and normal voltage (during second time period for pressure maintenance), creating a dynamic operational mode that adapts to different brewing phases.
3Manufacturing precision
If the pump operates at normal voltage level, then beverage quality is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic voltage adjustment to the pump, alternating between reduced voltage operation (first time period) and normal voltage operation (second time period). This periodic action reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining beverage quality by ensuring normal voltage is applied during critical brewing phases.
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 to improve the quality of the beverage by controlling voltage levels, ensuring a better 'in-cup' experience and crema formation.
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, to reduce noise and regulate liquid flow and pressure
Implementation Method 2
a pump for delivering a fluid from a tank to a extraction chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage production module 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 at a normal operation voltage (U3) and to operate the pump over a predefined time (T1,T2) at a reduced voltage level (U1, U2). A method operates the pump of a beverage production module.